On a YouTube livestream through BleacherReport, Jake Fischer, notably seen on ‘The Stein Line,’ confirmed how a career-high of 55 points and a multi-game win streak impacted Kawhi Leonard’s future. Fischer mentioned that the LA Clippers will further turn down offers for Leonard, which all but says he is most likely not going anywhere.
A team on the cusp of breaking through a rebuild could still offer the Clippers a load of draft assets for the two-time champion. Yet the chances are slim, and Lawrence Frank is best not to gamble on it.
Thus, the Clippers are right for reportedly leaving the 34-year-old superstar as a display piece. Opposing teams can watch all they want, but they do not have access to touch in the trade portal, as the most ‘on-fire’ player on the most ‘on-fire’ team got the clear to get comfortable; his position in LA is anchored in place.
The LA Clippers are treating Kawhi Leonard generationally
It takes a championship to get as close to Kawhi Leonard as the hearts of the LA Clippers. Examples like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Nikola Jokic on their respective teams exist. Yet, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year has won at every stop except the Clippers.
Furthermore, the Clippers are still so attached to Leonard. They perceive him as irreplaceable, and a long-anticipated win streak, Western Conference Player of the Week honor, and 30-plus points in four of the last five only fed into his untouchable, hidden-in-layers-of-covering price tag.
It would be a challenge for a contender to take Leonard away from home, as he is averaging 27.8 points (career-high), 6.5 rebounds, shooting 49.9% from the field, and the second-highest free-throw percentage of all time at 97.0%. The Dallas Mavericks were not even this head-over-heels for Luka Doncic.
Moreover, Leonard is far more prized inside LA’s front office than prime Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. How can that be if 'Lob City' built the Clippers an identity in the NBA? It could be his championships, or maybe Lawrence Frank thinks he is the greatest to ever play for the franchise.
Nonetheless, Leonard will likely have his seventh opportunity to steer the Clippers somewhere far into the playoffs. At least, that is what the front office hopes, and it is on him to exculpate them for not allowing teams across the league to shop him at the trade deadline.