Reports: Kawhi Leonard declines player option, becomes free agent

All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard declined his player option with the Los Angeles Clippers for next season, making him a free agent, multiple media outlets reported on Sunday.

The player option was worth $36 million, but ESPN reported that Leonard is expected to negotiate a new deal to remain with the Clippers.

However, that does not preclude him from the possibility of testing the open market once again.

The 2021 NBA free