The Los Angeles Clippers made a series of sweeping roster changes this season, parting with key players such as James Harden and Ivica Zubac.
While Kawhi Leonard managed to keep his spot, it wasn’t for a lack of trying on the Clippers’ part. In fact, according to league insider Tim Kawakami, they had a deal in place to send Leonard to the Golden State Warriors before something made them refuse at the last minute.
“Multiple league sources indicated this week that the Warriors were reasonably close to trading for Kawhi Leonard last February, apparently with much of the deal terms generally agreed to, before the Clippers ultimately decided to pull out of the talks,” reported Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard. “Leonard’s name continues to be connected to possible Warriors moves — either in continuing trade talks or, as many around the league are speculating, if Leonard’s remaining contract with the Clippers is voided after the investigation into salary-cap circumvention.”
The glory days of the dynasty era may be long gone for the Warriors, but Stephen Curry remains elite. In 39 games this season, the two-time MVP is averaging 27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 46.8% shooting from the field and 39.1% shooting from three. While he’s missed the past 25 games for the Warriors, he’s expected to be healthy next season, putting pressure on the front office to build a strong supporting cast.
Sadly, with Jimmy Butler still in recovery from an ACL tear, the Warriors cannot wait for him to get back to full strength. This summer, they will have a small window to get back in the title picture, and it starts with finding a worthy partner for their iconic point guard. Kawhi Leonard could have been that guy for them if the Clippers had never gotten cold feet.
At 34 years old, he fits their timeline perfectly, and his two-way game makes the perfect complement to Steph, who is known as an offensive-first perimeter shooter. While his availability is spotty, his production on the court is always reliable, and that trend has continued this season with averages of 28.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 50.3% shooting from the field and 38.0% shooting from three.
Regarding what the return would have looked like for the Clippers, we can imagine the Warriors dangled guys like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, or Pat Spencer along with multiple first-round picks. Draymond Green may have even been involved, hence the growing rumors of his departure.
Ultimately, only the Clippers know what it will take for them to give up Kawhi, but there is a world where they are forced to give him up. Depending on the outcome of the NBA’s cap-circumvention investigation, Leonard could become available as a free agent, giving the Warriors (and other teams) freedom to negotiate at will.
It’s anyone’s guess where Kawhi will end up, but you can bet the Warriors will be working hard to pair him with Steph. As a two-time Finals MVP (and two-time Defensive Player of the Year), he’s the kind of star who can reopen the title window and help maximize Curry’s final years in the NBA. At the very least, he’d put the Warriors in a position to compete for the next few seasons, provided they fill out the roster with enough depth and supporting talent.
