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3 Huge Trade Packages The Clippers Wouldn't Refuse For Kawhi Leonard
By Fran Leiva,
13 hours ago
The Clippers are at a pivotal crossroads after a turbulent season. Paul George's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers has left a significant void, and Kawhi Leonard's decision to withdraw from Team USA for the upcoming Olympics only adds to the speculation about his future. At 33, Leonard remains a top-tier talent, but with the recent acquisitions of promising young players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Mo Bamba, the Clippers might be looking to rebuild. Trading Leonard could bring in a mix of young stars and draft picks, setting the stage for a fresh start. Here are three trade packages that the Clippers wouldn't refuse for their superstar.
The Oklahoma City Thunder could make a monumental leap in their quest for an NBA championship by acquiring Kawhi Leonard. The proposed trade would send Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and three first-round picks back to the Clippers, providing them with valuable assets for their rebuild.
This trade would be particularly intriguing as it somewhat mirrors the significant trade in 2019, when the Clippers acquired Paul George from the Thunder in exchange for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a haul of draft picks. Now, the Clippers would be receiving their own picks back, giving them the flexibility to tank and rebuild from the ground up.
In Oklahoma City, Kawhi Leonard would fit seamlessly into an already impressive lineup. Last season, the Thunder finished as the top seed in the Western Conference with a record of 57-25, ultimately falling to the Dallas Mavericks in the Conference Semifinals. Leonard would likely slide into the shooting guard position, creating a formidable starting five alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein.
With Leonard's elite two-way play, the Thunder would undoubtedly become the favorites to clinch the championship. Leonard's presence would enhance their defensive capabilities while adding another reliable scoring option. His playoff experience and championship pedigree would be invaluable for a young Thunder squad looking to make deep postseason runs.
Last season, the Thunder's defense was anchored by Lu Dort, who would be missed, but Leonard's defensive prowess would more than compensate for that loss. The combination of Leonard's experience and the youthful energy of players like Shai and Chet could propel the Thunder to new heights. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game last season, would benefit greatly from Leonard's presence, easing the scoring load and providing more opportunities for efficient playmaking.
If this trade goes through, the Thunder would not only be stacked with talent but also positioned to dominate the Western Conference for years to come. This deal makes perfect sense for both sides, giving the Clippers the picks they need to rebuild and offering the Thunder a clear path to title contention.
The Houston Rockets have been in the rumor mill all offseason, with whispers about a potential blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant making waves. While the Durant deal hasn't materialized, the Rockets are clearly in a win-now mode, looking to make a splash that could catapult them into championship contention.
For the Clippers, this trade is about the future. By acquiring Jalen Green and Amen Thompson, the Clippers would secure two of the most promising young talents in the league. Green, who averaged 19.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, is a dynamic scorer with explosive athleticism. Thompson, who was drafted in 2023, averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 62 games last season. These young stars would be pivotal in the Clippers' rebuild, offering both immediate impact and future potential.
Additionally, the Clippers would receive two future first-round picks from Houston, further enhancing their ability to rebuild and strategize for the future. This package gives them the flexibility to develop a new core while maintaining a competitive balance in the short term.
In Houston, Kawhi Leonard would reunite with Fred VanVleet, his teammate from the Toronto Raptors' 2019 championship run. This duo, combined with the Rockets' young core, would create a formidable lineup. Leonard, who posted averages of 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 68 games last season, would likely slide into the small forward position. The starting lineup would feature VanVleet at point guard, Leonard at small forward, rookie Reed Sheppard at shooting guard, Jabari Smith Jr. at power forward, and Alperen Sengun anchoring the center position.
Adding Kawhi Leonard to this mix would elevate the Rockets to a top-tier team in the Western Conference. Leonard's championship experience and two-way excellence would provide the Rockets with the necessary edge in high-stakes games. His ability to guard multiple positions and take over offensively in clutch moments makes him a perfect fit alongside VanVleet, who thrives in pressure situations.
With Leonard, the Rockets could realistically aim for a top-three seed in the West. Last season, Houston improved their win total significantly under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka, and with Leonard's addition, they would be poised to make a deep playoff run. The combination of veteran leadership, young talent, and strategic additions positions the Rockets as a legitimate contender.
This trade scenario benefits both teams immensely. The Clippers gain future assets and young stars to build around, while the Rockets acquire a proven champion in Kawhi Leonard, setting the stage for a potential championship push. It's a bold move that signals Houston's readiness to compete at the highest level.
In this potential trade, the Clippers would receive Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, and three valuable first-round picks, setting them up for a strategic rebuild. Keldon Johnson brings youth and scoring ability. Harrison Barnes adds veteran experience and versatility, as he was traded to the Spurs in the DeMar DeRozan deal with the Kings . The inclusion of first-round picks in 2025, 2026, and 2028 further bolsters the Clippers' future prospects, giving them ample opportunities to draft or trade for additional assets.
Kawhi Leonard's departure from the Spurs in 2018 was marked by controversy and a strained relationship with the organization. After a fallout over his medical treatment and trust issues, Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he won a championship before moving to the Clippers. This trade back to San Antonio could mend the fractured relationship and close a tumultuous chapter for both parties.
Returning to the Spurs, Leonard would join forces with the promising young star Victor Wembanyama. This dynamic duo would be complemented by a solid supporting cast, including Chris Paul at point guard and Devin Vassell at shooting guard. Leonard's experience and defensive prowess would be invaluable in mentoring Wembanyama and guiding the team toward success.
Leonard’s return to San Antonio would not only bring star power but also a renewed sense of purpose and determination to compete. Playing alongside Wembanyama, who has shown flashes of brilliance, the Spurs could quickly become serious contenders in the Western Conference.
This trade would signal a new era for the Spurs, blending Leonard's championship pedigree with Wembanyama's potential to create a formidable team. Leonard's defensive acumen and scoring ability would lift the Spurs' performance on both ends of the court, making them a legitimate threat in the playoffs.
For the Clippers, this trade offers a pathway to rebuild with a mix of young talent and draft capital. Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes provide immediate contributions, while the future picks ensure long-term flexibility and growth. This deal not only benefits the Spurs by addressing their current needs but also positions the Clippers for sustained success in the future.
In summary, this trade would allow both teams to address their respective goals: the Spurs aiming for immediate competitiveness with a rejuvenated Leonard, and the Clippers focusing on a strategic rebuild with valuable assets. It's a win-win scenario that could redefine the futures of both franchises.
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