As the Los Angeles Clippers prepare to enter their new arena, rumors of a fresh start have swirled around the franchise. With Kawhi Leonard’s injury history and the team failing to make a serious championship push, some fans are calling for a reset, while others remain loyal to their star. But what if a blockbuster trade shakes up both the Clippers and the reigning NBA champions? The Denver Nuggets, despite a somewhat disappointing offseason, still have the pieces to land a superstar, and if they believe Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray need more help, a deal for Leonard could be on the table.
This hypothetical trade could split Clippers fans right down the middle. One-half might be furious at the thought of losing their best player and franchise cornerstone. The other half, though, might welcome a fresh start with new young talent, especially after years of injury-plagued seasons. For the Nuggets, this deal could be a bold move to make another championship run, giving Jokic the support he needs after an offseason that didn’t deliver much in the way of reinforcements.
Let’s break down this potential blockbuster and grade what could be a franchise-altering trade for both the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Proposed Trade Package
Denver Nuggets Receive: Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Michael Porter Jr, Zeke Nnaji, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, 2031 First-Round Pick
Denver Nuggets Create A Stacked Starting Lineup
If the Denver Nuggets land Kawhi Leonard in this trade, they immediately enhance their championship odds by adding one of the NBA’s elite two-way players. Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and seven-time All-Defensive Team selection, provides both defensive prowess and clutch scoring that could push Denver over the top. Last season, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game for the Clippers, showcasing his ability to score from anywhere on the floor while locking down opponents on defense. Paired with reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, Leonard would give the Nuggets a dominant inside-outside combination, with the team’s defensive ceiling elevated to a new height.
Incorporating Leonard into the lineup alongside Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon creates one of the most well-rounded starting units in the league. Leonard’s ability to guard multiple positions and Murray’s offensive explosiveness give Denver the tools to overwhelm even the best defenses. With Russell Westbrook sliding into the two-guard role, Denver’s roster would be formidable on both ends.
While Denver loses promising young talent in Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun, they are betting on Leonard’s championship experience and ability to remain healthy enough for deep playoff runs. The Nuggets’ core would remain strong, with Leonard stepping in as a seasoned veteran who has the versatility and IQ to thrive alongside Jokic’s playmaking. This trade transforms the Nuggets into one of the most complete rosters in the NBA and makes them strong contenders to win their second NBA championship.
Los Angeles Clippers Start Their Rebuild Immediately
The Clippers would receive a massive haul in this trade, centered around Michael Porter Jr., one of the NBA’s top young forwards. Porter averaged 16.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, shooting an impressive 39.7% from beyond the arc. His potential as a future All-Star makes him a valuable piece for a Clippers team that may be forced to pivot toward rebuilding if they part with Leonard. At just 26 years old, Porter Jr. can be a foundational player for the Clippers, giving them a versatile scorer who can stretch the floor and become a focal point of their offense.
The inclusion of Zeke Nnaji, Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther provides the Clippers with additional young assets to build around. Nnaji, a versatile big man, adds depth to their frontcourt and has shown flashes of becoming a reliable rim protector and rebounder. Christian Braun, a high-energy wing, played key minutes for Denver during their 2023 title run and could be a valuable piece for the Clippers’ rotation. Julian Strawther, a promising prospect, brings long-term upside as a shooter and scorer. Most importantly, the 2031 first-round pick gives Los Angeles a future asset to further fuel their rebuild, allowing them to either develop through the draft or package the pick in a future trade.
For the Clippers, this trade offers a clean slate and the ability to focus on developing young talent after years of pushing for immediate success. While Leonard’s departure would mark the end of the Clippers’ championship aspirations in the short term, the team would gain flexibility and the opportunity to build a new core around Porter Jr. and their incoming prospects. It’s a step toward the future, and though it’s a gamble to give up a star like Leonard, it could pay off in the long run if the young players develop as expected.
What Grade Should This Trade Get?
Denver Nuggets: B+
The Denver Nuggets would receive a B+ for this trade. While Kawhi Leonard improves their roster, there’s an inherent risk due to his injury history. Leonard has played in fewer than 60 games in each of the last four regular seasons, including just 52 games in 2023-24, and he missed the entire 2021-22 season recovering from an ACL injury. As a third option behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Leonard can focus on being the team’s go-to perimeter defender and clutch scorer. His experience as a two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP brings leadership that can guide Denver during deep playoff runs, especially since he fits into Mike Malone’s playing style.
Los Angeles Clippers: C+
For the Clippers, this trade earns a C+. Trading away Kawhi Leonard, the franchise’s best player, signals the end of their current championship window. Losing a player of Leonard’s caliber is a blow to their competitiveness, as he’s been the heart of their team since 2019. Michael Porter Jr. is a solid shooter and scorer, averaging 16.7 points per game on 39.7% three-point shooting in 2023-24, but he’s not a player the Clippers can definitively build their future around. Porter’s own injury history, including multiple back surgeries, adds risk to the deal. The 2031 first-round pick is far off, making it difficult to assess its value in the near term. Overall, the Clippers lose a franchise cornerstone and get back a package centered on a player with potential but unproven star power, meaning it isn’t the best deal for them.
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