A Golden State Warriors insider believes an elite star forward should be a top target for the team this summer. However, now it's Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
It's been another disappointing season for the Warriors and their fans. After appearing likely to reach the NBA Finals a year ago, Stephen Curry's hamstring injury dashed those hopes. However, he entered this season with big aspirations after building chemistry with Jimmy Butler over the summer.
However, Butler tore his ACL in January just when the team finally got on a roll. Due to this once again their title hopes were dashed. Nevertheless, the team made a bold move to try to save those plans by trading for Antetokounmpo in February. Obviously, he did not achieve that goal. But hopefully they can target him again this summer.
However, San Francisco Standard Warriors columnist Tim Kawakami believes there is a more sensible option. Instead of giving up the burden of the draft and player assets for the 10-time All-Star, Kawakami thinks Golden State should target Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.
A case for the Warriors to target Kawhi Leonard this summer
Interestingly, they would not land Leonard in a trade, although there are rumors he could be available. Instead, Kawakami wants to see the Warriors sign the seven-time All-Star in free agency. This could be a possibility as rumors continue to swirl that the NBA may soon void his Clippers contract due to the questionable practices LA used to sign him a few years ago.
The Warriors insider detailed a two-pronged plan to add the 34-year-old, who is having a great season. First, the team will need to come under the first salary tax threshold. He noted that the team had six players signed for next season, including Butler and Moses Moody, who would not be available until the second half of the season.
They will then "attempt to sign both Draymond Green (to replace his $27.7 million player option) and Kristaps Porzingis to moderate two-year deals, probably both around two years, $40 million." This would give the franchise "approximately $184 million in total commitments for eight players". Then add $6 million for a player taken in Round 1 of the NBA Draft – that pick will likely be around No. 11. Taking them to $194 million, which is $11 million under the tax threshold.
The second part of the plan will try to convince Leonard to join the team on the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. He admits it's not a guarantee, but adding a high-impact player with championship potential when fully healthy is the best option.
It's a plan that will require a bit of luck, but the chance to get on the Warriors roster and a stud prospect in the lottery may appeal to Leonard if he wants to stay in California and pursue another championship. Additionally, popular NBA expert Bill Simmons recently outlined several reasons why an Antetokounmpo trade would be a bad idea for the Warriors.
