5 Trades Clippers should make to split up Kawhi Leonard and Paul George

4. Warriors swap CP3 for PG13

The Warriors acquired Chris Paul this offseason, but questions remain about his fit. Do the Dubs go small with Stephen Curry and CP3 starting in the backcourt or does Paul come off the bench for the first time in his career? Can the legendary point guard fit into the Dubs’ flow offense? If things are not working, Golden State could be ready to move on before the trade deadline.

The Clippers need a ball-handler that can run their offense and make plays. CP3 would be back in LA with his family and eager to set up Kawhi.

Both teams are over the second tax apron and cannot take back more money than they receive in a trade. That means a third team would have to be involved, and the Spurs make the most sense as they look to add more talent and draft capital around Victor Wembanyama.

This is not 2016. Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul can no longer carry a team to a championship, but LA is eager to add a young former lottery pick and two first-rounders. They ship Payton II and Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Spurs to make this trade work, but it gives LA a chance to compete now and some future upside.

This is a light return for Paul George. The Clippers get just two first-round picks. That would have to believe that Chris Paul is a difference-maker right now and that Jonathan Kuminga turns into a key role player on a contender. Both are stretches, but this could be the best they can do if George expresses a desire to leave next summer.