If Jaylen Brown isn’t the most important title on the NBA commerce block proper now, then Kawhi Leonard in all probability is. The Los Angeles Clippers have but to debate an extension with their 35-year-old famous person coming into the ultimate yr of his contract, and it’s set off hypothesis {that a} commerce is imminent.
Leonard stays arguably the very best wing scorer on the earth when he’s wholesome, however his sturdiness has all the time been a difficulty. He performed 65 video games final season, which is his second-highest since 2016-2017. Any group that trades for Leonard must be in place to win the championship immediately, which makes discovering a possible suitor for him much more tough. Whereas a Toronto Raptors reunion seems to have actual momentum behind it proper now, the door continues to be open for one more group to make a deal.
It certain seems like Leonard will probably be dealt earlier than there’s any type of ruling on his Aspiration wage cap circumvention scandal. Listed here are six potential Kawhi trades that make sense for either side.
Clippers get: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, 2027 first-round choose
Raptors get: Kawhi Leonard
That is the commerce everyone seems to be anticipating to occur. I ponder if there’s actually sufficient coming again to the Clippers on this commerce with out the inclusion of Allen Graves or Collin Murray-Boyles. I feel one other group can beat this provide until Toronto is prepared to throw in a second draft choose.
Clippers get: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2027 first-round choose through Atlanta
The Spurs had been simply within the NBA Finals, so perhaps this commerce feels just a little too daring proper now. I don’t assume the Clippers would have curiosity in De’Aaron Fox as he begins a $228 million take care of Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland already within the backcourt, however Vassell would make sense for Los Angeles. The Spurs in all probability don’t need to lose Vassell, and which may make this a non-starter. San Antonio actually confirmed their want for extra halfcourt shot-creation and shot-making throughout their Finals loss to the Knicks, and a deal like this might make them the championship favorites subsequent yr. It’s dangerous, however I prefer it for San Antonio, and I feel this provide might win a bidding conflict.
Clippers get: Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, 2033 first-round choose
Nuggets get: Kawhi Leonard
The Denver Nuggets really feel additional away from a championship than at every other level within the Nikola Jokic period after a humbling first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves. The 2033 first-round choose is the final actual asset Denver has to construct a contender round Jokic, and Leonard could be the very best participant they might add by way of growing their championship odds for subsequent season. It is a ton to surrender for Denver, however the Jokic, Leonard, Jamal Murray trio could be proper there with the league’s greatest.
Clippers get: Jaylen Brown
Clippers get: Kawhi Leonard
This could be an all-time ‘my downside on your downside’ commerce. The Celtics are reportedly motivated to deal Brown after dangling him of their Giannis provide, and that is the uncommon deal that might return a participant probably even higher for subsequent season. Why would the Celtics be prepared to get 5 years older on this deal? Effectively, it’s potential Brown is simply prepared for his subsequent chapter, however this commerce would additionally in all probability make Boston cheaper and extra versatile going ahead. I prefer it as a 1-for-1 with no picks concerned.
Clippers get: Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, 2027 first-round choose
Pistons get: Kawhi Leonard
I’ll admit I can’t get the salaries to match on this deal on the commerce machine, however one thing like this might work in broad strokes even when it has to contain a 3rd group. A commerce for Leonard would instantly vault the Pistons into championship contender standing assuming he might survive a playoff run. Detroit appears able to shake it up after buying and selling Isaiah Stewart earlier this offseason, and Leonard really seems like an ideal match for what Detroit wants.
Clippers get: Paul George, Clippers 2028 first-round choose
Zach Lowe introduced this one up on his podcast, and it’s so good I needed to embody it. The Clippers had been smart to let Paul George stroll to Philly in free company, and now they will get him again in trade for the unprotected 2028 first-round choose they as soon as forked over for James Harden. I don’t truly assume Philly would go for this, however think about a world the place Leonard and Joel Embiid keep wholesome, and so they’re flanked by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Labaron Philon within the backcourt. Sheesh. Large danger, large reward.
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