Report: Kawhi Leonard seeking to play in Los Angeles in 2019 if not traded
The Kawhi Leonard-Spurs saga continued on Tuesday as Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich and Leonard met in San Diego. What does this mean for the Clippers?
Per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski, Kawhi Leonard would like a trade to Los Angeles. As of now, Leonard would prefer a trade to the Lakers over the Clippers.
Leonard no longer desires to play for the Spurs. Should he not be traded this season, many believe he fully intends to hit Free Agency and sign in LA in 2019.
ESPN story with @ramonashelburne on Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and star Kawhi Leonard meeting today in Southern California: https://t.co/SZIMVraE63
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2018
With Kawhi Leonard wanting to play in LA, the Clippers remain a strong landing spot for the disgruntled small forward.
One trade package the Clippers are believed to offer is Tobias Harris and picks #12 and #13. Kawhi would become the face of the franchise and hopefully return fully healthy.
Keep in mind Leonard is only 26 and has yet to hit his prime. Kawhi can attract other superstars to play with the Clippers and be the best small Forward the Clippers have had in years.
Re Kawhi: I’ve been told Jerry West is running point on all attempts to acquire him via trade, and he doesn’t want the Clippers to remain second-fiddle in LA. He will be aggressive during the Draft—Picks 12 and 13 are in play, along with multiple players.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) June 20, 2018
According to Kelly Iko of USA TODAY Sports, Clippers Senior Advisor Jerry West has been given the keys to go all in for Kawhi Leonard.
Iko also points out how West “will be aggressive during the draft”. This year’s draft will be both very nerve racking and exciting for Clippers fans everywhere.
The team has many options heading into Thursday’s draft including staying put and selecting two skilled players, trading up and selecting Luka Doncic or Jaren Jackson Jr.
They can also trade both picks for Superstar Kawhi Leonard and hope he isn’t just a one-year rental.
Whatever happens on draft night, we will know one thing for sure. The Clippers will bring in some very exciting talent that will help them win games next season and for future seasons.
Be sure to keep up with all the latest news, rumors and more only at Clipperholics!