As everyone is aware, Kawhi Leonard is still under investigation for cap circumvention. This has lingered all season, and one of the worst outcomes would be Leonard’s contract being voided. Though some teams in the same situation might struggle to find a backup plan, the Clippers could look right down the road at LeBron James, according to Dave McMenamin and Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
James is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and with his time in the NBA coming to an end soon, speculation has grown over several possible destinations in both conferences.
The Clippers, for a handful of reasons, should be at the top of the list, especially if Leonard is forced off the team following arguably the best season of his lengthy career.
Replacing Kawhi Leonard on the Clippers makes sense for LeBron James
At first glance, understandably so, it does seem odd for LeBron James to sign with the LA Clippers. He’s been a primary rival of theirs for nearly a decade and has given Clipper Nation moments of tragedy they could never forget.
But, on a one-year deal, James seems like a viable replacement for Kawhi Leonard. They are both veterans, top-of-the-line superstars, and have sufficient knowledge to help bring home a championship.
This would ultimately keep the Clippers afloat as contenders in the Western Conference next season.
There are two sides to the signing, though, and the other, which belongs to James, makes even more sense. How so? Well, the home he’s been in for years, which is close to his family in Los Angeles, could stay put.
James would simply be under a new organization and traveling to the best arena in the world to perform regularly.
Beyond that are the finances. If Leonard’s contract disappears, and a part of the punishment is not having his contract still on the books for next season, the Clippers could offer James more than the Los Angeles Lakers.
So, James gets to stay where he is, remains in championship contention, and obtains the contract he wants. What else could there be?
The last, yet still important aspect of landing James, is a reunion with Tyronn Lue. They won a championship together on the Cleveland Cavaliers and have an excellent bond to this day.
If one sums everything up, it’s easy to see why James, in the colors of red, white, and blue, seems perfect.