Fansided

10 eventual free agents who could change the shape of the NBA

By Bryan Toporek

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 26: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers in action against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Amway Center on January 26, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 26: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers in action against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Amway Center on January 26, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Kawhi Leonard (2021 player option)

Fresh off helping the Toronto Raptors win their first-ever championship, Kawhi Leonard has never looked better.

In only 32.2 minutes per game this season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Leonard is averaging career highs in points (26.9), 3-pointers (2.1) and assists (5.0) while adding 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. He currently ranks fourth in ESPN.com’s real plus-minus, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James and James Harden.

Leonard’s offensive aptitude would be impressive enough on his own, but he’s also one of the NBA’s best wing defenders. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year has received an All-Defensive nod in each of his past five healthy seasons, and he’s well on pace for another one this year.

Leonard had his coming-out party against James and the early 2010s Miami Heatles, but his legendary playoff run with last year’s Raptors cemented his top-tier superstar status. He averaged an astonishing 30.5 points on 49.0 percent shooting, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.3 triples and 1.7 steals during that 24-game march to a title, including an unforgettable Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

If Leonard decided to leave the Clippers in 2021 (by declining his $36.0 million player option for 2021-22) or 2022, he’d be among the most hotly pursued free agents in recent years. The safe bet is on him and George sticking together in L.A. for the long haul, though.

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