One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Clippers trade two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to the New York Knicks.
Our own James Piercey of NBA Analysis Network proposed that the Clippers send Leonard to the Knicks for RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier and multiple draft picks.
“This won’t be an easy deal for the Clippers to make,” Piercey wrote. “They were supposed to be embarking on an era of title contention. It hasn’t gone that way. … This would certainly be a big change. It’s probably not the return that Clippers fans would hope for in exchange for Leonard. Unfortunately, his consistent injury concerns have depreciated his value.
“With that in mind, this is still something. Barrett still has a lot of potential. Throw in a pair of first-round picks and a swap, and this may be a means for the Clippers to start from scratch. There is no incentive for the Clippers to completely bottom out since they owe the Oklahoma City Thunder most of their future for the Paul George trade. They’ll need to have confidence in Barrett.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
Leonard is one of the best players in the NBA. However, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy over the past few seasons. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year, who missed all of last season recovering from ACL surgery, hasn’t played more than 74 games since the 2016-17 season when he was on the San Antonio Spurs.
However, Piercey believes the Knicks should take a gamble on Leonard since the forward is a superstar.
“For the Knicks, this is a gamble,” Piercey wrote. “If Leonard’s knees continue to be this significant of an issue, they’ll regret this deal. They may be sending out an intriguing young player, two first-round picks, and a swap for essentially nothing. By contrast, if Leonard can get healthy, this group would have no ceiling. An NBA championship wouldn’t be out of the question. The Knicks are already strong – how strong would they be with a healthy Leonard?
“After all, when healthy, this is one of the best players in the NBA. Leonard is an elite two-way wing. He can create his own shot at will, and he can stop the opposing team’s best player from doing the same. If he could just stay healthy, that is.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
Leonard averaged 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists this season for the Clippers in 52 games. He suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee in the first round of the playoffs against the Phoenix Suns and missed Games 3, 4 and 5.
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