 In a statement, the team said Leonard had been ramping up to get ready for the Olympics and felt ready to compete. However, it was said Kawhi respects that USA Basketball and his team, the LA Clippers, determined it's for the better if he spends the summer getting ready for the NBA season. Eric White from the Boston Celtics will take Leonard's roster spot. I'm Tammy Trujillo. WICC Smart MLS Right Now Traffic.