The NBA Finals haven't even started yet, and rumors are already running rampant involving superstar trade candidates this offseason. Giannis Antetokounmpo's time with the Milwaukee Bucks seems to be finally coming to a close, and Evan Mobley, Chet Holmgren, and Jaylen Brown have been reported as trade candidates, too.
Jake Fischer believes that Kawhi Leonard is still the number two superstar trade candidate behind Antetokounmpo this offseason, though.
“No updated word on Kawhi just yet, but behind Giannis, I do think that he is still, without a doubt, the number two player that we are expecting will be involved in trade conversations,” Fischer said about a potential offseason deal involving Leonard. “Forget about could Jaylen Brown be discussed, could Chet, could Evan Mobley – Kawhi Leonard is going to be discussed in trade conversations this summer. He is going into the last year of his contract, the Clippers are in somewhat of a rebuild now, and there is too much of an opportunity for the Clippers to at least listen, and I believe they are going to.”
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Leonard has often struggled with injury issues, but when he is healthy and at his best, he is one of the best players in the league. The all-time great defensive player has led two different teams to championship victories, and potential suitors likely view him as a player who can get them over the hump.
Leonard's Clippers' have already moved on from Paul George and James Harden in recent years, the latter of whom was traded for Darius Garland in a move to get younger at the trade deadline. It would make sense if Leonard was next in line to get dealt.
The NBA Finals haven't even started yet, and rumors are already running rampant involving superstar trade candidates this offseason. Giannis Antetokounmpo's time with the Milwaukee Bucks seems to be finally coming to a close, and Evan Mobley, Chet Holmgren, and Jaylen Brown have been reported as trade candidates, too.