The Los Angeles Clippers have undergone some drastic changes in recent years. The team boasted an intriguing and talented big three of Paul George, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard not long ago. George left for the Philadelphia 76ers, though, and Harden was traded this year to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, only Leonard remains from that core
The Clippers seem to be stuck between a rebuild and a win-now mentality, at least for as long as Leonard is on the roster. The San Diego State University product has already been rumored as a potential trade candidate this offseason. Leonard is one of the best defensive players in NBA history, and he has operated as the top scoring option on two different championship teams, so there would certainly be suitors if he were made available.
Leonard has also had his fair share of injury issues over the years, though, and his trade value diminishes with each passing day. It is far from a foregone conclusion that the Clippers will find a suitable trade package, nor is it certain that the team would even consider a trade. ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel believes that Leonard will end up suiting up for Los Angeles next season.
“I haven't heard any inkling in terms of Kawhi wanting out from Los Angeles,” Siegel said on Clutch Scoops. “He has been very happy there, his camp has been very happy with the Clippers, and he is still kind of the face of that franchise right now, where he is their best player… I would say Kawhi Leonard is going to stay with the Clippers.”
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Siegel confirmed that there are interested parties in Leonard's services, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons among them. In the final year of a deal, though, Leonard holds a lot of leverage in where he will play going forward. The small forward is from California and seemingly wants to continue playing for the Clippers, so don't expect a trade this offseason. The Clippers will focus on their number five NBA Draft selection and a potential contract restructure with Leonard.
The Los Angeles Clippers have undergone some drastic changes in recent years. The team boasted an intriguing and talented big three of Paul George, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard not long ago. George left for the Philadelphia 76ers, though, and Harden was traded this year to the Cleveland Cavaliers.