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LA Clippers: 3 Reasons Why Signing Serge Ibaka Was Important

By Michael Hanich

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates their teams victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game Six to win the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates their teams victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game Six to win the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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LA Clippers Kawhi Leonard
LA Clippers Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

3. Serge Ibaka’s Signing is also a Long-Term Move for Kawhi Leonard

When the Clippers signed for Leonard and traded for George, it was an indication that they were in a win-now setting. That is why it was devasting for the team and Clipper Nation to suffer another 3-1 blown series lead. The team is concerned that either one of the star players will enact the player-option cause on their contract due to low results in the NBA Postseason.

The team signed Ibaka to a contract with the second-year player-option clause around the same time as Leonard to give the players the availability to decide to play together. Any move the Clippers do in the remaining offseason has to be done to make sure it is to ensure Leonard stays with the team. The Clippers are allowing Leonard to rest his injuries in back-to-back games as they do not want to put him in an uncomfortable situation as San Antonio tried to force him on the court.

This move by the Clippers to get Ibaka gives Leonard the bigger opportunity to feel more at home. This also shifts the leadership role from the former head coach in Doc Rivers to solely on Leonard along with George.

Next. 3 reasons Serge Ibaka is a better signing than Montrezl Harrell. dark

Leonard will be one of the most sought-after players in the 2021 NBA Free Agency if he enacts the player-option clause on his contract. The LA Clippers signing Ibaka was a major step in the right direction to a potential re-signing for both players. Their previous relationship will be a big reason for the team to contend for the NBA title in the Summer of 2021, the first title in franchise history.

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