A team that is always superstar hunting, like the LA Clippers, is the Miami Heat. They were in the picture for Damian Lillard, will have their eyes on Giannis Antetokounmpo following his recent trade buzz, and could be a potential destination Kawhi Leonard dreams of.
Leonard is a major market athlete. The spotlight has always suited him; he picked up where the iconic core built in San Antonio left off, got traded up north to Toronto, then signed to the Clippers, a team owned by the richest sports owner worldwide, Steve Ballmer.
Thus, with the cookie crumbling in LA, Lawrence Frank could draw up an easy success route for the Heat with Leonard. However, the fans may be opposed to it, as they will have supplied Miami with another star, the first being Norman Powell.
Kawhi Leonard is everything the Miami Heat have always embraced
Miami Heat president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra have been the league’s epitome of winning and defense. Their identity stood firm and unbroken through both of the LeBron James-led championships, a majestic era run by Jimmy Butler, and the current roster, starring first-option, Tyler Herro.
Well, what is Kawhi Leonard known for? Primarily winning and defense. A 2-1 record in the NBA Finals, 12 playoff runs, two defensive player of the year awards, seven all-defensive selections, and the 2014-15 steals champion exemplifies the Heat brand perfectly.
Leonard is also having a phenomenal offensive season for the currently losing LA Clippers, averaging 25.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 48.6% from the floor.
Moreover, Miami is still searching for a superstar because of the playoffs. Herro, Norman Powell, and Bam Adebayo have been tested and succeeded in the regular season, but none have a credible first-option background when the stage really gets bright.
For Leonard, stage fright is something he has never experienced. Championships speak louder than words, yet even numbers-wise, he has been an all-time performer through 146 postseason contests.
Additionally, Leonard would return to a winning culture with the Heat, something the Clippers cannot currently claim with 19 losses at seed 14 in the Western Conference.
That said, Leonard in South Beach is a match made in heaven. He would love it, and Miami would love it, backing up the idea that the East Coast could be his endgame if LA shockingly decides to cut ties with one of its franchise legends.