The Clippers’ chances of landing Kawhi Leonard could be looking better.
Rumors have been flying about the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. For what seems like forever now, the San Antonio Spurs have seemed like a mainstay of solid players and culture. But with the Kawhi distress, Tony Parker leaving, and Kyle Anderson getting an offer it seems like the dam is cracking.
There have been reports that Leonard’s interest has shifted from the Lakers to the Clippers. With SA losing solid pieces in free agency they could become a little more open to a trade package from the Clippers.
It’s no secret that the Clippers roster has a log jam at the guard position. Whether San Antonio wants fresh young talent, proven defensive vets, or quality scoring the Clippers have it.
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With free agency drying up it could be mutually beneficial for both teams to make a deal this year. The Spurs are at risk of losing Kawhi for nothing come next summer, and the Clippers need to balance their roster. Both teams are hoping to have a strong hand in the 2019 free agency race; the Clippers could use a star, the Spurs could use a core with a future.
With the recent performances of Sindarius Thornwell and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Summer League LA’s pieces are looking nicer and nice for either trade-bait or future building blocks. It will come down to what San Antonia feels is their best option going forward and they’re chances of retaining their star.
Doing a deal now could also help prevent another disturbingly stacked super team in the West by keeping Kawhi from joining forces with LeBron James across the hall in LA (OKC did us all a favor here too). But for now we will have to play the waiting game and stick to refreshing twitter hoping for a Shams or Woj bomb.