No. 2 most ideal replacement for the LA Clippers if Kawhi Leonard signs elsewhere: DeMar DeRozan
If the LA Clippers can’t lure Kawhi Leonard back to our team, don’t be surprised if DeMar DeRozan‘s name pops up.
This would be an intriguing storyline due to the free agent being on the Spurs in the first place because he was traded there for Leonard. There were other assets included in the deal, but those were the two major pieces of the trade.
DeRozan is a four-time All-Star, and one of the better players in basketball.
Since 2013, he’s averaged 22.8 points per game, 4.9 assists per game, 4.8 boards per game, and 1.1 steals per game. He’s shot 46.3% from that span, while mostly playing the two-guard.
He can also play the three, and this year played a lot of minutes at the power forward position. Having versatile wings like that is already something the Clippers do. DeRozan would fit right in.
Bleacher Report even speculated a potential sign-and-trade for DeRozan to the Clippers even if Kawhi stays.
He’s an intriguing option either way, and while he’s no Leonard, he’s a high-level performer who’s game is respected all over the league, and would be one of the best options to try to replace a little of what Kawhi brings to the Clips.