KEY POINTS

  • Kawhi Leonard wanted to be close to his family and compete for titles at the same time
  • He believes that the Clippers have what it takes to contend and win titles
  • There is no timetable yet as to when he will make his season debut

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has finally revealed the reasons for his decision to re-sign with the team.

Speaking to the media since his decision, Leonard made it clear that he wants to remain with the Clippers for a long time and that he is committed to winning titles with them.

"I'm here to be a Clipper. I'm not going to another team unless something drastic happens, but I'm here for the long run,” said Leonard.

“A big part of it was just winning, know what I mean? They want to win, I want to win, and I'm home. I'm comfortable with the guys on my team, and I just felt like it was a good situation still."

As a highly-competitive player, Leonard’s decision to stay with the Clippers puts them in a great position to contend for titles as stars like LeBron James and Chris Paul enter the twilight of their careers.

However, “The Klaw” also bared that his contract extension has a more personal touch to it--proximity to family.

"I made my decision based on at first, obviously, family, being closer to my family, being in the state of California," said the 30-year-old superstar.

"Once I got here, I learned who works here, like you said, who was in the front office, and just kind of building chemistry with the staff and people in the front office.”

In a league full of players with loud, outspoken personalities, Leonard is definitely not that type of player, opting to shy away from speaking with the media as he enjoys personal time with his inner circle.

Leonard is expected to miss a major chunk of the season as he works his way back from an ACL tear that he suffered during last season’s playoffs.

No date has been given as to when he will be able to make his return to the court, but rumors suggest that it will be around the 2022 NBA All-Star break.

Last season, the Clippers were extremely close to making their very first NBA Finals appearance but were upended by the Phoenix Suns in six games.

Leonard believes that this team has what it takes to compete during his time with them after an offseason that saw upgrades in positions of need.

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