Let’s be honest for a second: the Los Angeles Clippers are currently putting on a masterclass in how to implode a franchise. Between the 6-16 start and the absolutely wild news about Chris Paul getting sent home from his own farewell tour, the vibes in LA aren’t just bad—they’re apocalyptic. And sitting right in the middle of this burning building is Kawhi Leonard.

Naturally, when a superstar is stuck on a sinking ship, the vultures start circling. According to recent reports, the Miami Heat might be looking to swoop in. But does this move actually make sense, or is it just another fantasy trade scenario that ignores reality? Let’s break down the chaos.

The Clippers Are Officially a Dumpster Fire

You have to feel a little bit for Leonard. The guy is actually playing decent basketball. He’s putting up numbers, he’s coming back from ankle issues, and he’s trying to drag this roster to wins. But the team around him? It’s gutted. It’s shallow. And now, it’s drama-filled.

The Chris Paul situation is the cherry on top of this disaster sundae. Apparently, CP3 tried to give Leonard some defensive pointers, and the coaching staff wasn’t having it. Now he’s packing his bags. With the Clippers owing their draft picks to OKC next year, they are staring down the barrel of a “basketball apocalypse.” If they don’t blow it up now, they’re handing a lottery pick to a rival for free. That desperation is exactly why Leonard might be on the block.

A Miami Heat Trade Package That Actually Works

So, how does Pat Riley get this done? We all know the Heat are constantly linked to every unhappy superstar (remember the Dame Lillard saga?), but this one has some legs. A proposed deal floating around involves the Heat sending a package centered on Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, rookie standout Kel’el Ware, and a 2029 first-round pick.

In exchange? Miami gets Leonard, Nicolas Batum, and Kobe Brown.

On paper, this works financially. Wiggins is expendable, Rozier is salary filler at this point, and the picks help the Clippers restock their barren cupboard. But the real sticking point here is the young guy, Kel’el Ware.

The Kel’el Ware Dilemma

Here is where things get sticky for Heat fans. Kel’el Ware is the real deal. The kid has a 7’5″ wingspan and has been a monster around the rim. The problem is, he’s blocked by Bam Adebayo. As long as Bam is the franchise cornerstone (which he is), Ware is destined to be a backup. Can Miami justify paying a backup center a massive extension down the line? Probably not.

However, trading your best young asset for an aging, injury-prone star is a classic “win-now” gamble that could backfire spectacularly. Ware was reportedly untouchable in Kevin Durant talks, so would Miami really flip him for Leonard? It’s a massive risk, but if Riley thinks this is the piece that gets Jimmy Butler another ring, he might just pull the trigger.