With his departure from the 2024 Olympic team, Kawhi Leonard has been frequently discussed by the media. It’s not as though Leonard quit on his team; his right knee pained him, as it had for some time. However, Leonard would’ve been the perfect small forward for this US men’s basketball team. While the team will likely be fine regardless, Leonard’s lock-down defense and mid-range shooting would’ve been a stellar addition. This isn’t the first time that Leonard has missed significant games due to injuries, which begs the question: is it time for the Los Angeles Clippers to explore a Kawhi Leonard trade?
Should the Clippers Look at a Kawhi Leonard Trade?
Even with Leonard’s issues, there’s no doubt teams would still be interested. Even at 33 years old, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Additionally, Leonard earned a selection to the 2024 NBA All-Star game. When healthy, Leonard’s proven that he can lead a team to a championship, as he did with the 2019 Toronto Raptors. However, as he exits his prime, one does have to wonder what his trade value on the market is.
There are only so many teams that it would make sense for them to attempt a Kawhi Leonard trade. We can eliminate rebuilding and play-in teams, which cuts off about half of the NBA. We can also eliminate the contenders whose stars are already set for this upcoming season. That includes the Celtics with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the 76ers with Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey; the Nuggets with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Timberwolves with Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Mavericks with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and the Knicks with Villanova’s entire 2018 title-winning team (or so it feels like).
Who is a Kawhi Leonard Trade Perfect For?
This leaves us with the teams that are in the playoffs, but are still seemingly one player away from being true contenders. Those teams are the Miami Heat (depending on Jimmy Butler‘s future), the New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, and Orlando Magic. Looking at draft capital and young players, the Warriors and Magic seem like the two teams that make sense. The Warriors have been attempting to acquire Lauri Markkanen, although talks seem to have stalled for now. One does have to wonder, though, if the Warriors would want to trade a treasure trove of picks and young players for a sometimes unreliable player.
For the Magic, however, a Kawhi Leonard trade could be great. Their core centers around Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and an assortment of guards. They also signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this offseason. Last year, the Magic finished fifth in the Eastern Conference and pushed the Cavaliers to seven games. A trade for Leonard could put the team over the top. The squad features an assortment of young guards; in fact, you could argue they have too many young point guards. The Magic could trade away some of their young core and draft capital (they have plenty of picks), and pick up an All-Star who could make them contenders.
Is This Right for the Clippers?
It’s becoming less and less clear what the Clippers are trying to do day by day. A few days ago, it seemed as though a Kawhi Leonard trade was out of the question. However, the Clippers just traded Russell Westbrook for Kris Dunn. Westbrook is a valuable player who contributes to contending teams (as shown by his quick signing after the trade with the Denver Nuggets). Harden re-resigned with the team, so it doesn’t seem like they’re ready to rebuild just yet.
If I’m the Clippers, then I would keep Leonard for the start of the season, to see how things work out and pump up his trade value. If the team isn’t going anywhere, then perhaps a trade at the deadline to get something back for him may be the right move.
