Does this trade make sense for the Los Angeles Clippers?
It’s becoming quite clear that Paul George is not an answer alongside Kawhi Leonard in terms of an NBA championship formula. The team added elite shooting around both of their superstar wings and even tanked the final two games to get the Dallas Mavericks in the first-round…only to go down 0-2 to start the series.
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Kawhi Leonard opted to not sign a contract extension and will be a free agent when the offseason rolls around. While it’s possible he could leave the team after a disappointing playoff run…it seems more likely for the Clippers to trade Paul George while Leonard stays than it is for Leonard to outright leave.
Either way, the Clippers would land a younger wing in Andrew Wiggins while being able to develop James Wiseman and the rookie that is selected with the Timberwolves’ first-round pick (assuming it conveys in 2021). Whether Leonard stays or leaves, the Clippers would be better equipped for the long-term future.
The Clippers should take full advantage of the fact that Paul George signed a contract extension before the 2019-20 season. Moving him in a trade package for assets would help Los Angeles to retool around Kawhi Leonard without having to see if a third time will be when George gets it done when it matters most.
