Los Angeles Clippers Kawhi Leonard
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Kawhi Leonard’s All-Star snub sparked strong words from Ty Lue and a deeper debate about how selections are made.
The Philadelphia 76ers view Kawhi Leonard as a dream target and will hope to send a trade package to the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason. Kevin O’Connor reported that the 76ers reached out to the Clippers this past trade deadline, but Los Angeles wasn’t ready to move their franchise player just yet. However, Leonard’s older age and the team getting younger with only one year left on his deal after this season could see a trade coming.
Fadeaway Media revealed the most realistic trade package Philadelphia can offer for Leonard:
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Quentin Grimes (Sign and Trade), 2028 first-round pick (LAC), 2029 first-round pick (LAC), 2027 second-round pick (OKC/HOU/IND/MIA – most favorable), 2028 second-round pick (GSW), 2028 second-round pick (MIL), 2030 second-round pick (PHX/POR – most favorable), 2031 second-round pick
The Clippers would have to commit to completely blowing up the team and looking to replenish some draft picks. A desire to contend behind Leonard saw the Clippers trading away most of their future draft picks for “win now” players. This offer would give them Quentin Grimes as a relatively young starting player, but it’s the two first round draft picks and five second round draft pick that provides the temptation.
Why Clippers Might Do This Deal
The recent trade deadline saw the Clippers making two shocking trades to move Kawhi’s best two teammates. James Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for younger point guard Darius Garland when it became apparent the Clippers didn’t want to extend him on a big contract this summer.
Fan favorite center Ivica Zubac was dealt to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for young scorer Bennedict Mathurin. The Clippers quit on trying to make any noise this season, especially since their horrible start put them far behind in the West standings.
Mathurin and Garland give them a younger core to have a brighter future that existed before they made these moves. Trading Leonard makes the most sense next since his injuries and age have prevented them from truly contending with better rosters. The 76ers’ offer would give them another talent to build around and provide some hope via drafting.
76ers View Kawhi As Last Big Target
The 76ers have a unique situation of merging both big name veterans and young stars on the same roster. All-Star Tyrese Maxey and extremely talented rookie VJ Edgecombe both set them up for a bright future with two young stars on the roster to build around.
Joel Embiid and Paul George are the two important veterans, but they have many flaws. George was suspended for violating the NBA drug policy and missed many games before that due to injury. Embiid still struggles from injuries and misses games quite often, despite showing gradual improvement throughout this season.
Leonard would add another veteran to the mix and provide playoff proven superstar. The current stats show Kawhi is having one of the best seasons of his career to warrant taking a risk on him. George’s contract would require him getting traded or waived since he makes $54 million next season,