PLAYA VISTA, Calif. -- Kawhi Leonard said part of the reason why he signed a four-year max contract to remain with the LA Clippers instead of opting for a shorter deal that could lead to a more lucrative contract is because he hopes to return and play this season.
Leonard would not give a timetable for his recovery from surgery on July 13 to repair a partially torn right ACL that kept him out of the Clippers' final eight playoff games. He is expected to miss significant time. But the team's star revealed that a possible return this season factored into his decision to sign his four-year, $176.