The Los Angeles Clippers have recovered well from their disappointing result in the playoffs last season. With an appearance in the Western Conference Finals, this team knows that it has the talent to approach the NBA finals, especially since Kawhi Leonard has not played a single game in the six-part series. With the Clippers on their feet, all eyes will be on the decision Leonard will have to make over the next month.
Leonard has until August 1st to exercise his player’s option. We learned in the NBA that nothing is guaranteed, so we’re not sure if Leonard will exercise it or not. It doesn’t help that Leonard leads such a calm lifestyle that there was no evidence of this big decision.
At the moment we can only speculate. For next year, these five spots would be the superstar’s best targets.
5. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors would have to complete this through trade due to their problems with the salary cap. The ideal trade would be Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, number 7 and number 14 in the 2021 draft. While not a Kawhi Leonard, Wiggins has improved his defense by a ton over the past year and can score nearly 20-25 points every night.
With questions related to Serge Ibaka’s health, Wiseman could work with Ivica Zubac to give the team depth at the center. As for the Warriors, the combination of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Leonard would feel like a championship like the old days when Kevin Durant was part of the team.
4. New York Knicks
The Knicks have room to sign Leonard. Correction, the Knicks will have the most salary caps among any team in the league. With Tom Thibodeau changing culture, a solid No. 2 option in Julius Randle, and a defensive-minded tough team, this could lure Leonard to the Big Apple to make New York basketball relevant again.
Leonard would thrive under Thibodeau’s system. Given how Thibodeau plays his veterans in big minutes, questions about his durability would arise, but the Knicks were one of the best defensive teams in the league last year. You have to look at what the Suns have done this season and wonder if the Knicks could recreate the system when Leonard arrives in New York.
3. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are currently trying to swap everyone but Luka Doncic, so it would be tremendous for the team to pair one big superstar with another. The Mavericks come to the Clippers on the first round in a row. It’s time to blow up the tandem of Kristaps Porzingis and Doncic.
The Clippers could attempt a sign-and-trade for Porzingis and enable George and Porzingis to run a three-year run together. While this may not sound ideal, if Leonard declines his option, it means he doesn’t want to reset it next year. Why not try to get a superstar in return? With the welcome addition of a Nike manager to head the basketball operation, this could be a successful joint union.
2. Miami heat
If Leonard doesn’t exercise his option, the Miami Heat will be a front runner for his services. The Heat will have room to absorb a contract like Leonards’. The team was also able to meet its contract requirements, including a short-term contract. Financially, it could line up with Butler, who has two years left on his deal.
For two years Leonard was able to try to run through the Eastern Conference with Butler and Bam Adebayo. This super team could play against players like the Nets or the Bucks. With a champion pedigree in Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra, that winning culture would only get better.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
The best spot for Leonard are the clippers. Leonard’s rejection of his option would be a major drama for the league, but pointless in the long run. Leonard tries to define himself as one of the greats. He has already won championships with the Spurs and Raptors. Winning a championship with a third team would cement his legacy talking to the likes of LeBron James.
In addition, this would not be an ordinary championship title. The Clippers never made it to the NBA finals and it would bring his hometown Los Angeles their first title across the Laker Nation. After years of living in the Lakers shadow, this would give the Clippers their first taste of the limelight. Leonard should try to get it back after the team reached the conference finals and played as well as they did without him in the line-up.
