Kawhi expects to decline player option next summer if healthy

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard says he'll likely look to negotiate a new deal during the 2021 offseason.

"Obviously, if I'm healthy, the best decision is to decline the player option," he told reporters on Monday, including ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "But that doesn't mean I'm leaving or staying. I'm focused on the season, like I said. We'll talk about that when the time is right."

The two-time Defensive Player of the Year holds a $36-million player option for 2021-22, providing a degree of insurance against significant injury or on-court decline.

However, based on Leonard's recent performance - he averaged 27.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in 2019-20 - it's likely he declines that final option year in search of lucrative, long-term financial security.

The 29-year-old will have played 10 NBA seasons by next summer, making him eligible for a starting salary worth up to 35% of his team's cap during Leonard's first year of a new contract. His current player option is projected to only be worth 28.2% of next year's cap, according to Spotrac.

With Paul George already inking a massive $176.3-million extension that will keep the six-time All-Star under the Clippers' control through at least 2024, the team's brain trust can now turn its attention toward convincing Leonard to stay.

George talked with Leonard before making his commitment.

"I spoke to Paul, he felt comfortable here," Leonard said of his teammate's decision. "He loves the city, he's obviously from here, so I think from his standpoint, he did a great job of coming to me and telling me how he feels before signing the contract."