Up until now, it was common knowledge that Kawhi Leonard’s future with the LA Clippers was riding on the lottery. If LA landed the 5th or 6th spot via the Indiana Pacers, there would be no sense in keeping the soon-to-be 35-year-old. But if the basketball gods felt like putting the Pacers in a position to end up top-four, running things back one last time with Leonard seemed like the smart idea.
Everything literally came down to one quick announcement from Mark Tatum, and because luck fell into the Clippers’ favor, as they will be drafting fifth overall, Leonard is likely to soon be on his way out.
This is the best move for the franchise, and though it’ll definitely be bittersweet considering Leonard spent seven years in LA, the logic behind moving on is fully understandable.
Kawhi Leonard no longer belongs on the LA Clippers
The environment Kawhi Leonard needs to be around at this stage of his veteran career is superstars, high-quality role players, and a win-now system. That’s the most viable way for him to achieve a third ring on his resume.
Unfortunately, while Leonard might want to keep playing in the city he considers home, Los Angeles, the Clippers are moving in the opposite direction, with the assistance of the fifth pick, centered around a rebuild.
They will be looking for any one of Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr., and Caleb Wilson to become a top option next to Darius Garland; not Leonard, who is getting closer to his final days in the league by the year.
To move on from Leonard, the Clippers’ best bet is to advertise him as available as soon as possible. Why? Well, the draft is weeks away, and because a few teams that are in need of a superstar, like the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, have a spot in the lottery, he could be used as a stepping stone to speed up a process that typically takes many years.
Additionally, through Leonard, whose value is at its peak compared to the last few seasons, LA could bring in a couple more highly coveted picks to stack with what they already have.
That said, everything has basically worked itself out for Leonard to depart from the Clippers’ roster.
He might as well begin packing his bags, as, right now, the news of him being the face of a blockbuster trade to an organization trying to contend feels inevitable.
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