Getty
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard drives the ball. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Two-time NBA Champion Kawhi Leonard is already one of the major stories heading into the offseason this summer. The Los Angeles Clippers will have to decide between keeping Leonard with one year left on his contract, offering him an extension, or trading him away for younger assets. Most expect them to go the final route and finally rebuild the roster with more youth on their side.
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale reported that seven teams are expected to have interest already:
“Snaring a high-level prospect could compel the front office to end the Kawhi era. The decision gets easier if the market is frothy enough. And it might be. Leonard is an All-NBA lock after making at least 65 appearances for the second time in three years. His stock isn’t getting any higher.
Philadelphia 76ers
Miami Heat
New York Knicks
Minnesota Timberwolves
Phoenix Suns
Detroit Pistons
Portland Trail Blazers”
All seven teams were named in the article as realistic option for Leonard’s next team. Each of these teams currently view Kawhi and other top trade targets as the potential final missing piece. Some franchises believe Leonard can make them improve from a good team to a contender. Others hope to jump from contending to being a title favorite.
Teams With Strong Kawhi Leonard Trade Offers
The Clippers will be looking to prioritize younger talents and future draft picks to end the Kawhi era. Other star players like Paul George, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac all have left the franchise over the past few years after the hopes of contending flew out of the window.
Los Angeles have found a path to hope with younger talents Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin joining the roster. Teams like the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers could send them talented young players with the chances to become big parts of their future.
The Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Detroit Pistons would have mediocre offers since they lack proven young talent. One team with the toughest path could be the New York Knicks since the Clippers would have to settle for Mikal Bridges or Josh Hart as their top pieces.
One Major Team Missing From List
The Golden State Warriors are notably absent from this list, despite reportedly sending an offer for Leonard at the trade deadline. Clippers management shut down the trade offer due to wanting to keep their franchise player to remain relevant in the play-in race to appease fans.
The writer didn’t mention Golden State, likely due to the Warriors having stronger interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo as their “big fish” dream. However, Golden State is still expected to have a desire to trade for Leonard as one of their top options in the offseason.
The Clippers will have a chance to take advantage of the Kawhi’s best season in years to get multiple strong offers from interested teams. Management must pick the right move to turn the franchise around and have a path towards winning in the near future. Leonard’s value will likely never be this high again to make the decision even more pivotal.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford
More Heavy on Clippers
Loading more stories