Kawhi Anthony Leonard is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Born June 29, 1991, Leonard has established himself as one of the league’s premier players. He is known for his exceptional two-way abilities.
A two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, he has earned multiple accolades, including 6-All-Star selections, five All-NBA Team honors, and seven All-Defensive Team selections.
You can follow Kawhi Leonard’s net worth, prize money, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more here.
Kawhi Leonard’s Net Worth Details
Kawhi Leonard’s net worth is estimated to be $120 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his salary as a professional basketball player, endorsements, and other sources.
Contract and Salary
Kawhi Leonard signed a 4-year contract with the LA Clippers for $176,265,152, which includes a guaranteed amount of $176,265,152 and an annual average salary of $44,066,288.
In the 2023-24 season, Leonard will earn a base salary of $45,640,084, with a cap hit of the same amount and a dead cap value of $45,640,084.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
| 2011-12 | San Antonio Spurs | $1,731,960 |
| 2012-13 | San Antonio Spurs | $1,861,920 |
| 2013-14 | San Antonio Spurs | $1,991,760 |
| 2014-15 | San Antonio Spurs | $2,894,059 |
| 2015-16 | San Antonio Spurs | $16,407,500 |
| 2016-17 | San Antonio Spurs | $17,638,063 |
| 2017-18 | San Antonio Spurs | $18,868,625 |
| 2018-19 | Toronto Raptors | $23,114,066 |
| 2019-20 | LA Clippers | $32,742,000 |
| 2020-21 | LA Clippers | $34,379,100 |
| 2021-22 | LA Clippers | $39,344,900 |
| 2022-23 | LA Clippers | $42,492,492 |
| 2023-24 | LA Clippers | $45,640,084 |
Endorsements
Kawhi Leonard’s endorsements include sports apparel, airlines, technology, energy drinks, fast food, and automotive brands.
Here’s a summary of his known endorsement deals:
- New Balance: Leonard signed a significant deal with New Balance, reportedly worth over $5 million per season, making him the face of New Balance basketball.
- Cargo Jet Airways: After winning the 2019 NBA title, Leonard secured an endorsement deal with Cargo Jet Airways, based in Ontario.
- Honey: A technology company that offers online coupons and discount codes.
- X2 Performance: A brand that produces energy drinks and supplements.
- Subway: A multinational fast-food restaurant franchise.
- Hyundai: A global automotive manufacturer.
About Kawhi Leonard
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Kawhi Anthony Leonard |
| Nickname | The Claw, The Klaw |
| Birth Date | June 29, 1991 |
| NBA Draft | 2011, Round 1, Pick 15 |
| Position | Small Forward |
| Current Team | Los Angeles Clippers |
| Debut Year | 2011 |
| Height | 6’7″ (2.01m) |
| Weight | 225lb (102kg) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, CA |
| Nationality | American |
| College | San Diego State |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Current Net Worth | $120 million |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship |
| Girlfriend | Kishele Shipley |
| Instagram Profile | @kawhielite |
Kawhi Anthony Leonard was born to Mark Leonard and Kim Robertson on June 29, 1991, in Los Angeles, California.
As the youngest child in the family, Leonard grew up with four older sisters, contributing to a competitive and supportive household environment.
Los Angeles, his birthplace, is known for its rich sports culture and has produced numerous professional athletes, setting the stage for Leonard’s future in basketball.
Early Life
Leonard attended Canyon Springs High School before transferring to Martin Luther King High School, where his exceptional basketball court skills began to draw attention.
Tragedy struck Leonard’s life on January 18, 2008, when his father, Mark Leonard, was murdered at the car wash he owned in Compton, California.
Despite the immense personal loss, Leonard excelled in high school basketball and eventually earned the title of California Mr. Basketball.
Early Career
As a basketball player, Kawhi Leonard’s college career at San Diego State University was marked by significant achievements and rapid development.
Leonard played 70 games for two seasons, starting at 69, and finished his career with 40 double-doubles, the second-most in the school’s history.
Leonard’s impact on the court was recognized when The Associated Press named him to the Second Team All-America.
Professional Career
After being drafted 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2011 NBA Draft, Kawhi Leonard’s rights were traded to the San Antonio Spurs on draft night.
Leonard’s breakout performance came during the 2014 NBA Finals, where he was pivotal in the Spurs’ victory over the Miami Heat and was named the Finals MVP.
His tenure with the Spurs included another Finals appearance in 2013 and a championship in 2014. However, after a quadriceps injury and reported tension with the Spurs regarding his injury management, Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2018.
In his single season with the Raptors, Leonard led the team to its first NBA championship in franchise history and earned his second Finals MVP award.
Following his championship run with the Raptors, Leonard signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, forming a dynamic duo with Paul George.
Strong performances have marked Leonard’s career with the Clippers, although injuries have also affected his time there.
Girlfriend
Kawhi Leonard’s girlfriend is Kishele Shipley. The couple met while attending San Diego State University, where Leonard played for the university’s men’s basketball team, and Shipley studied public administration.
The couple has been together for over a decade, sharing significant life moments, including the births of their two children.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG |
| 2011-12 | SAS | 64 | 24.0 | 7.9 | 5.1 | 1.1 |
| 2012-13 | SAS | 58 | 31.2 | 11.9 | 6.0 | 1.6 |
| 2013-14 | SAS | 66 | 29.1 | 12.8 | 6.2 | 2.0 |
| 2014-15 | SAS | 64 | 31.8 | 16.5 | 7.2 | 2.5 |
| 2015-16 | SAS | 72 | 33.1 | 21.2 | 6.8 | 2.6 |
| 2016-17 | SAS | 74 | 33.4 | 25.5 | 5.8 | 3.5 |
| 2017-18 | SAS | 9 | 23.3 | 16.2 | 4.7 | 2.3 |
| 2018-19 | TOR | 60 | 34.0 | 26.6 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| 2019-20 | LAC | 57 | 32.4 | 27.1 | 7.1 | 4.9 |
| 2020-21 | LAC | 52 | 34.1 | 24.8 | 6.5 | 5.2 |
| 2022-23 | LAC | 52 | 33.6 | 23.8 | 6.5 | 3.9 |
| 2023-24 | LAC | 58 | 34.2 | 23.7 | 6.2 | 3.7 |
FAQs
1. What teams has Kawhi Leonard played for in his NBA career?
He began his NBA journey after being selected by the Indiana Pacers in the 2011 draft and traded immediately to the San Antonio Spurs, where he spent seven seasons. He was traded to the Toronto Raptors and led them to their first championship in 2019. He signed as a free agent with his hometown Los Angeles Clippers, where he continues to play.
2. Why is he nicknamed “The Claw”?
He earned the nickname “The Claw” because of his massive hands and exceptional defensive instincts, which allow him to deflect passes, force turnovers, and secure rebounds with ease. Teammates and analysts admired how his hand size and anticipation turned defense into a game-changing weapon.
3. What are his major NBA accomplishments?
He is a two-time NBA champion, winning titles in 2014 with the Spurs and in 2019 with the Raptors, earning Finals MVP on both occasions. He has been selected as an All-Star six times, named to the All-NBA Team six times, won Defensive Player of the Year twice, and been chosen to seven All-Defensive Teams. He was honored on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
4. How have injuries affected his career?
His career has been interrupted by several significant injuries, including a right quadriceps strain in 2017, a torn meniscus in his right knee later that year, and recurring right knee inflammation that delayed the start of the 2024–25 season. The Clippers have also managed his playing time to protect a lingering toe issue and his quad, leading to periodic absences but preserving his peak performance when healthy.
5. Where did he play college basketball and what did he achieve there?
He played two seasons at San Diego State University (2009–2011), averaging 12.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore. He led the Aztecs to the Sweet Sixteen in 2011 and was named a consensus second-team All-American before forgoing his remaining college eligibility to enter the NBA draft.
