An NBA player does not have a fixed trade value. Their value fluctuates. This can aggravate fans. They’ll see a trade proposal and feel that their team is getting the short end of the stick. Perhaps, at a time, that would have been true.
Trade value changes. Injuries can often change it. If a player has a tendency to get hurt, it can destroy their value on the open market. Take Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers. What’s his trade value right now?
Frankly, it’s probably not as high as Clippers fans would like. When healthy, Leonard is one of the best two-way wings in the NBA. Unfortunately, it’s far too common for Leonard to be unavailable to play. Could the New York Knicks make a move for him anyway?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F RJ Barrett, G/F Evan Fournier, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F Kawhi Leonard
Should an NBA team trade a player when his value is low? That’s not an easy question to answer. Intuitively, you might say no, they shouldn’t. Here’s the problem: their value could drop even more.
Imagine this: the Clippers hang onto Leonard. He plays well through 20 games next season. Then, he suffers a season-ending injury. Now, the Clippers won’t get anything for him. It may be a difficult pill to swallow, but sometimes, it’s best to cut ties while you still can.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
Not always. This is not an easy decision. A healthy Leonard is one of the best players in the NBA. Here, the Clippers aren’t getting the type of return that you’d expect for such a player. Should they really accept this package?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
They probably should. We know that Clippers fans are seething right now. We don’t blame them. At the same time, they shouldn’t blame us. They should blame Leonard’s degenerative knees.
Could Leonard improve his health and give his team a relatively full season? Sure. It’s possible. The point is this: by now, it isn’t a safe bet. The Clippers should be at least thinking about a future beyond Leonard. This deal would help them build on that future. Barrett has flashed star potential at times throughout his career with the Knicks.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
Still, the pair of first-round picks is probably even more important to the Clippers. This team is exceedingly low on draft capital. If Leonard gets injured again, it’s doubtful that they’ll even be able to receive an unprotected first for him. Here, they’re cutting their losses and receiving two. Should the Knicks take a risk on Leonard?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Some Knicks fans will probably hate the idea of trading for Leonard. Others will fell that, at this price, they absolutely have to make the move. Let’s split the difference. This is a risk for the Knicks. The payoff could be huge.
Sure, the Knicks could use another 3-and-D wing. They’re getting one here. At the same time, that’s not all that they’re getting. A healthy, prime version of Leonard would be the best player on this team. If he can keep his body right for a deep playoff run, the Knicks would become serious title contenders.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers & New York Knicks Updates
Can Leonard stay healthy? We don’t know. That’s why the Knicks are getting him at a discount here. If it doesn’t work out, the Knicks lose Barrett. That’s unfortunate, but it’s a risk worth taking if they’re acquiring Leonard. If his trade value sinks any lower, he won’t be worth acquiring at all.
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