n the aftermath of critical comments about 2019 free agent target
Kawhi Leonard,
Bruce Bowen won't be renewed as the
LA Clippers television game analyst next season, sources told ESPN.
Bowen was under contract with Fox Sports West, but the Clippers -- like every organization -- have significant input into the hiring of television broadcast talents and withheld approval on extending his contract, sources said.
The sides were expected to move forward on a new deal before Bowen's public comments on Leonard, sources said. Bowen declined comment when reached on Monday.
The decision to part ways with Bowen -- a three-time NBA champion with the
Spurs who had his No. 12 jersey retired -- speaks to the high-stakes repercussions surrounding the NBA's star-studded 2019 free agency class. For the Clippers, eliminating Bowen becomes a clear message about how it plans to protect star players within the organization.