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Los Angeles Clippers not trading Kawhi is good for the long-term

By Ryan Snellings

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 13:Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs is seen during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 13, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 13:Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs is seen during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 13, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Clippers may have lost out on the Kawhi Leonard trade sweepstakes, but this is a good thing for the franchise long-term.

The Los Angeles Clippers, despite attempting to move mountains, have now officially lost out on the Kawhi Leonard trade sweepstakes. Fans may be upset that the franchise was unable to trade for a star, but when they sit back and look at the situation they will quickly realize this may be best for everyone.

By not bringing in Kawhi through a trade, the Clippers can hang onto their assets. Tobias Harris has improved every season and looks to be a solid franchise piece. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson both looked good in Summer League and along with Sindarius Thornwell will likely be the guards of the future.

Now, the Clippers still have a chance to net Kawhi next summer and keep everyone they currently have on the roster. What’s better than that?

You might counter with “Well, Kawhi will just sign with the Lakers so none of this matters.” You might be right. Still, even if the Clippers had managed a trade for Leonard, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t trade in the red white and blue for purple and gold next summer anyway.

The Clippers can compete this season with one of the deepest benches in the league and hopefully show something to Leonard that will intrigue him.

The other benefit? Kawhi’s injury. There’s not a lot known about this injury and how it will really affect him. The Clips, along with the rest of the league, will have the benefit of seeing how Kawhi has recovered and if there are any lingering concerns without being responsible for him.

If for some reason he’s not the player that once won a Finals MVP, then the Clippers can simply turn their eyes elsewhere without having given up anything.

It sucks not having a superstar this season, but missing out on Kawhi is better in the long run.

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