Kawhi Leonard reportedly staying with Clippers on new deal

It appears free agent and two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard isn't going anywhere. 

Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported Friday afternoon that Leonard is re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers via a contract that hasn't yet been finalized. Leonard had surgery last month to repair a partial tear of the ACL in his right knee, and Farbod Esnaashari of AllClippers reported at that time the 30-year-old is expected to be sidelined at least six to nine months. 

Leonard, a five-time All-Star, averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists across 52 regular-season games with the Clippers in 2020-21 but went down to the knee injury in the Western Conference semifinals. The Clippers fell short of making it to the NBA Finals without Leonard's services. 

Earlier in the day, ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks predicted Leonard and the Clippers would likely agree to a two-year contract that includes a player option in 2022-23. 

"We hope to have a very long-term relationship with him," Clippers team president Lawrence Frank said before the start of free agency. "Right now our focus is on his health. He had major surgery. He tore his ACL. So it's going to require a great deal of time and more support."