This entire summer Jerry West and the Clippers have quietly schemed their way into serious contention for superstar Kawhi Leonard.
According to Cris Carter in First Things First, per reddit
"Jerry West is trying to do everything he can and they have informed Kawhi and his camp, ‘Listen, don’t give up on us. We are trying to move mountains to get you.’"
All of this cap space available, small trades being made, and adding players with expiring contracts is planned. This is part of a bigger piece, as big as in, “moving mountains” to trade for Kawhi. Whether that is a two or three team trade to assemble the right package is unknown. Jerry West and the Clippers are not giving up.
West has a resume that speaks for itself when it comes to building championship and dynasty teams. With the potential of a starting lineup built around Leonard, Patrick Beverley, Avery Bradley defensively is scary. If the Clippers can somehow only give up Tobias Harris, unfortunately but he is a great asset, and picks, or any combination of the impressive rookie players, is appealing enough to get a deal done.
The Clippers have a full roster packed with guards, so clearly Jerry is planning something involving any number of guards. Guaranteeing, Bradley and Harris become part of this potential deal, since Spurs wanted Avery last year at deadline.
Clearly this is a good idea, anything but waiting for free agency is a good idea here for LA Clippers. When West and the front office can put themselves in a place to convince Pop and Spurs FO along with Leonard, and take control of their situation is the right move.
Even if that means “moving mountains,” If they make this move happen, they have all year to sell Kawhi to stay with the Clippers. One full year of playing for his hometown in front of LA fans. This can increase the chance of keeping a superstar for years to come. This move happens and it is the first milestone for Clippers to attract free agents and contend once again.