This archive report was first published on 6 July 2019.
Published on July 6, 2019, Los Angeles Clippers have secured a major coup by signing NBA star Kawhi Leonard to a multi-million dollar deal.
According to reports, Leonard will be joined by all-star forward Paul George, who the Clippers are set to acquire in a separate trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, as per ESPN's Friday night report.
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, grew up in Riverside, California, just outside of Los Angeles, and will now take on a starring role with the Clippers, a young team that mirrors the Toronto Raptors' roster he led to their first championship.
The Thunder will receive Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a package of NBA draft picks in exchange for George, ESPN reported.
Leonard, one of the most sought-after NBA free agents, met with the Raptors, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Clippers before making his decision on where to play next season.
He is expected to sign a four-year, $142 million (Sh14.2 billion) contract with the Clippers, should the move materialize.
Leonard led the Raptors to their first title in franchise history when they defeated the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors in six games in the NBA Finals.