Kawhi Leonard Out, Derrick White In: USA Basketball's Roster Shakeup for Paris Olympics

Kawhi Leonard will not participate in the Paris Olympics due to health concerns. USA Basketball replaced him with Derrick White from the Boston Celtics. White will join teammates Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday on the U.S. squad. The decision, endorsed by the Clippers, came after Leonard's continued knee issues.

USA Basketball's aspiration to have Kawhi Leonard in the Paris Olympics has pivoted as both the organization and the Los Angeles Clippers concluded after a four-day training camp that this was not feasible.

Derrick White of the NBA champion Boston Celtics will now replace Leonard on the U.S. team. The decision, made on Tuesday, was accepted by White that night and announced by USA Basketball on Wednesday morning.

"Kawhi wanted to be here, but his body wasn't right," USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill explained. "We appreciate his willingness to sacrifice for the team." Despite Leonard's announcement earlier in the week that he felt fine, the ultimate decision, made in conjunction with the Clippers, was to sideline him due to knee inflammation concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)