Kawhi Leonard hopes deal helps Clippers keep George, Harden - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard said he hopes taking less than what he was eligible for in a contract extension with the LA Clippers will keep Paul George and James Harden with the team as well.

The Clippers announced Leonard's deal Wednesday but did not disclose terms. He signed a three-year, $153 million extension, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

«With the conversation that I have with them about it, I think for the most part everybody is coming back,» Leonard said after the Clippers beat the Toronto Raptors 126-120 on Wednesday night. «So with me signing an extension, I think it gives us a chance to sign both of those players.»

Leonard and George entered the season eligible for a maximum extension of four years and $223 million, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Sources told Wojnarowski that Leonard's extension will pay the forward $52 million in the first year and approximately $50 million per season over the next two years. The extension does not include a player option, according to Wojnarowski, but does include a 15% trade kicker.

Asked about his thinking in taking a shorter extension than he was eligible for, Leonard said, «I think at that point I'm going to be 35.»

«You're going to see how I'm playing at that age,» the 32-year-old Leonard said. «So I guess that's the number.»

The Clippers also have had extension talks with George and want to have both stars lined up on longer-term contracts, sources told Wojnarowski.

Leonard had until June 30 to sign an extension with a $48.7 million player option for next season. George, who also has a $48.7 million player option, said he is thrilled for Leonard and wants to remain a Clipper.

«I mean, absolutely,» George said when asked whether Leonard's extension is a