Kawhi Leonard is returning to the Clippers on a four-year maximum contract, tying himself to the franchise long term.
Leonard, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to return to the team last week while still working out the structure of his contract. A person with knowledge of the contract said Thursday that the fourth year is a player option; he will earn $176 million over the length of the deal.
The final season runs through 2024-25 — the same season the Clippers hope to open their new, proposed arena in Inglewood. Leonard’s deal also is equal in length to that of teammate Paul George, potentially keeping the All-Star duo together for years.