Fansided

5 potential trade scenarios for Kawhi Leonard

By Brad Berreman

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Mandatory Credit: Andrew D. Bernstein-Getty Images)
Mandatory Credit: Andrew D. Bernstein-Getty Images) /

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich would apparently be dead-set against trading Leonard to the Lakers. But it’s probably safe to assume the other tenant of Staples Center doesn’t carry the same status as a perceived rival for San Antonio, and the Clippers can make a deal work. Leonard was also born in Los Angeles, so a return home would probably be preferable if he can pick a trade destination at all.

The Clippers have two first-round picks this year, both on the back fringe of the lottery, after sending Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons in late-January. That gives them extra capital to include in a trade for Leonard, and one of those first-round picks is an obvious starting point in talks.

Otherwise, forwards Danilo Gallinari and Sam Dekker complete the deal from the Clippers to the Spurs in this scenario. Ryan Phillips of The Big Lead had Tobias Harris and Patrick Beverly instead of Gallinari in his Leonard to the Clippers scenario, but I don’t see the Clippers parting with two guys who were part of the return they got in trades for Griffin (Harris) and Chris Paul (Beverley). Beverley is coming off a shortened season due to a knee injury and Gallinari can’t seem to stay on the floor, but that’s a wash in terms of injury concern for me in a potential deal for Leonard.

It’s possible the Clippers would really go all in for Leonard, by adding their other 2018 first-round pick. Otherwise, a different (i.e. future) first-round pick or a second-round pick in 2019 could be added to sweeten a potential deal.

Home/NBA Trade Rumors