Kawhi Leonard’s days as a Los Angeles Clipper are done. one way or another.
We are still waiting for the NBA’s decision on how to punish the Clippers for the alleged ‘cap rigging’ scandal. This could potentially void Leonard’s contract (with one year remaining on $50 million). But even if not, it appears that Kawhi’s trade from La La Land is certain this summer.
Rumors have been flying around in recent weeks, but the latest information from insider Sean Deveney seems to put the nail in Kawhi’s coffin in LA.
According to a source close to Deveney, the Clippers will “move into a rebuild” this summer based on securing the No. 5 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
“I think you’ll see that they really move forward with rebuilding this summer, and they can probably get it done relatively quickly.”
The Clips got a huge lead on that young move before the trade deadline. They added exciting young backcourt players Benedict Mathurin, 23, of the Indiana Pacers, and Darius Garland, 26, of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He moved ahead of veterans Ivica Zubac and James Harden in the process.
Next, a perfect move to stay young in a trade to send Leonard to a team that needs a veteran superstar with championship credentials.
3 teams named as top summer contenders for Kawhi Leonard
Devenney specifically names three teams that are renowned as prime contenders for superstar-hunting Leonard:
- Miami Heat
- new York Knicks
- Golden State Warriors
The Warriors attempted to trade for any big star they could acquire at the deadline, with rumored targets including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi. They’ll try again this summer, potentially on all three fronts.
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points writes, “Trading for a big-name star is extremely relevant for owner Joe Lacob and the Warriors.”
All three teams are also in the running in the Giannis sweepstakes, but Kawhi will also be a target.
Leonard returned to the top of his game last season. He proved that even at the age of 34, after years of injury troubles, he can still be one of the top players in the NBA. Kawhi averaged a career-high 27.9 points along with 6.4 boards and 3.6 assists per game in 65 games.
He is a two-time Finals MVP, in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs and in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors.
#Latest #Clippers #rumor #points #Kawhi #Leonard #trade #marquee #teams #named
