Kawhi Leonard enters the offseason healthy for the first time since 2020, a significant development after the LA Clippers' first-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets. The team's president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, expressed continued confidence in building around Leonard and James Harden despite having the NBA's oldest roster.
"I definitely believe in those two," Frank said Monday during a media session conducted via video from New York.
Leonard missed the beginning of the season with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee, not making his debut until January. He averaged 21.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 37 games during the regular season.
"There's another level for him out there that he's going to get to next year," Frank said. "I think looking at next year that we can be better with more games from Kawhi."
Offseason Priorities and Free Agency Focus
Harden, who has a player option for next season, averaged 22.8 points and 8.7 assists while playing 79 games. The Clippers plan to negotiate with the 35-year-old guard if he declines his option.
"We have a great level of appreciation for what James did this year. I'm going in with the intent that if he doesn't pick up his option that we're going to be able to reach an agreement that works well for James and works well for the Clippers," Frank explained.
The Clippers finished 50-32 in their first season at Intuit Dome, but failed to advance past the first round for the third consecutive year. Their Game 7 loss to Denver saw Harden score just seven points on 2-for-8 shooting.
Frank identified frontcourt help and another playmaker as key offseason targets through free agency or trades. The team also hopes to retain Nicolas Batum, who shot 43% from three-point range and holds a player option for next season.
Via ESPN
