Kawhi Leonard’s Contract Among Worst Value in NBA Today: Where Does It Rank?

Throughout the previous seasons, Leonard’s contributions to the Clippers were often overshadowed by his injuries. Despite being a two-time champion and a former Finals MVP, his inability to consistently stay on the court made it challenging for the Clippers to maximize their investment. By the time he reached the 2024-2025 season, Leonard had played fewer than 40 games per year on average, which significantly impacted his perceived value and the team’s overall performance.

The Clippers’ front office faced mounting pressure as they evaluated their roster and future prospects. Leonard’s age and degenerative knee condition raised concerns about his long-term viability as a franchise cornerstone. While he could still showcase glimpses of his elite talent when healthy, the uncertainty surrounding his fitness made it difficult for the organization to build a championship-contending team around him.

NBA Analysis Ranks Kawhi Leonard’s Contract Among the Worst in NBA Today

As it stands, Leonard’s contract with the Clippers is among the worst in the league. This is detailed more in Andy Bailey’s analysis for Bleacher Report.

Three years, $149.5 million

This one is a little less about how Kawhi Leonard plays when he’s available and a lot more about how rarely he’s, well, available.

Kawhi hasn’t been healthy by the end of a Los Angeles Clippers playoff run since 2020, when his team coughed up a 3-1 lead to the young Denver Nuggets. He’s only appeared in two games this season. He turns 34 this summer.

And a degenerative knee condition that may have contributed to his average of fewer than 40 games per season over the last eight years isn’t likely to improve as he enters his mid-30s.

Critics pointed out that Leonard’s contract, given its size, expected a level of performance that he could no longer consistently deliver. The financial implications of his deal hampered the Clippers’ flexibility in free agency and trades, forcing them to navigate a complicated landscape while trying to remain competitive in a star-driven league.

Leonard’s contract exemplifies the complexities of valuing talent versus availability in professional sports. As the 2025 trade deadline looms, discussions surrounding his contract highlighted the challenges teams faced in balancing immediate success with long-term planning. Ultimately, Leonard’s situation serves as a cautionary tale for franchises considering high-stakes investments in players with uncertain health histories.