Before they can meet, one LA Clippers player has already made his pitch on why Leonard should come home and lead his own team in Los Angeles.
The three finalists to land free-agent superstar forward Kawhi Leonard, the LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors, all had a relatively quiet first day of free agency as they each feel confident in their ability to land him.
Of the three teams listed, the Clippers were the only ones who signed a free agent late Sunday evening, re-signing guard Patrick Beverley to a three-year deal reported to be worth $40 million.
Per The Athletic‘s Frank Isola, Leonard and the LA Clippers brass are “tentatively scheduled” to meet on July 2nd. But before they can meet, one Clippers player has already made his pitch on why Leonard should come home and lead his own team in Los Angeles.
When a TMZ reporter approached Clippers guard Lou Williams on pitching Kawhi, here was his response.
"Reporter: What is your pitch for Kawhi Leonard to come to the Clippers?Lou: The sun is out, it ain’t cold like it is in Toronto, he got his ring, come holla at us. It’s 70 degrees all year long, can’t beat it.Reporter: How much love would he get from the fans?Lou: He already a California kid anyway, the love is already there. He got an opportunity to do something special, he already has a legacy, already a big-time baller in his own right. In the state of California, it should be dope for him."
That is definitely some high praise from the three-time Sixth Man of the Year award winner.
Though many fans and media members are concerned over the lack of the moves the front office made on day one of the moratorium period, the team is well positioned if they do or don’t land Leonard.
The Clippers have a chance to take over the city of Los Angeles just like we saw yesterday with the flurry of moves that the Brooklyn Nets made in acquiring Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and two former Clippers in DeAndre Jordan and Garrett Temple.
The anticipation of Leonard’s decision has teams playing the waiting game on free-agents that are still out there.
The Clippers now have the most cap-space available ($41 mil), ready to spend on Leonard and possibly JaMychal Green and Danny Green, who the team reportedly spoke to on Sunday night.
Leonard may not make his decision today, but if he does, LA Clippers fans can feel confident that he’ll at least consider joining Williams, Beverley and the rest of the crew in Los Angeles.