LOS ANGELES: Kawhi Leonard is going home to play for the Los Angeles Clippers, reportedly agreeing to a multi-million-dollar deal less than a month after leading the Toronto Raptors to their first championship.
Leonard will be joined in Los Angeles by all-star forward Paul George, who the Clippers are reported to be getting in a separate trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, American sports broadcaster ESPN reported on Friday night.
The two-time NBA finals MVP Leonard grew up in Riverside, California just outside of Los Angeles. He will join a young Clippers team that will give him a similar starring role to what he had with the Toronto Raptors.
The Thunder will receive Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and a package of NBA draft picks in exchange for George, ESPN said.
Leonard, who was one of the most highly 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.
If he does make the move, Leonard is expected to sign a four-year, $142 million contract with the Clippers.
Leonard led the Raptors to their first title in franchise history when they beat the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors in six games in the NBA finals.
Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard to sign with Los Angeles Clippers: ESPN
Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard to sign with Los Angeles Clippers: ESPN
- Kawhi Leonard will be joined in Los Angeles by all-star forward Paul George
- Leonard led the Raptors to their first title in franchise history when they beat the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors
Barcelona midfielder Fermín López to extend contract through 2031
- Fermín was close to a move to Chelsea last summer, but stayed at Barcelona
- Barcelona called the new deal with Fermín a “strategic decision”
BARCELONA: Barcelona and breakout midfielder Fermín López have agreed to extend his contract through June 2031, the Spanish club said Friday.
The 22-year-old Fermín is one of the club’s top young talents, along with Lamine Yamal and Pedri González.
Fermín was close to a move to Chelsea last summer, but stayed at Barcelona and has remained a versatile member of Hansi Flick’s side thanks to his scoring instinct.
He has netted 10 goals this season, including five in the Champions League, along with making 11 assists despite not always starting.
Barcelona called the new deal with Fermín a “strategic decision.”
Fermín joined Barcelona when he was 13. His previous contract was to expire in 2029.
Fermín has only made five appearances for Spain but is expected to be part of their World Cup team this summer.
