The Los Angeles Clippers may be in trouble. This team was on the buyer’s side of the biggest trade in recent NBA memory. So far, it hasn’t worked out. The Clippers are yet to win a game since acquiring James Harden.
Don’t write them off yet. The Clippers could turn this thing about. This is one of the most talented rosters in the NBA. With that said, there are very real concerns for the Clippers, too.
Kawhi Leonard’s health is chief among them. Leonard has become one of the most injury-prone players in the NBA. The Clippers may be growing tired to waiting for him to get his body right.
Could they send him to the Golden State Warriors as a result?
NBA Trade Proposal: Golden State Warriors Land Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F Klay Thompson, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Kawhi Leonard
This entire era of Clippers basketball is in jeopardy. Few teams in the league have made as strong of a push to compete for the NBA title.
If they don’t win one before they’re forced to rebuild, it will be difficult to remember them as anything other than a failure. That sounds harsh. We don’t blame the Clippers for pursuing the Larry O’Brien trophy.
This organization made some bold choices to get where they are. If it doesn’t work out, we should still commend them for that – shouldn’t we?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors Updates
Perhaps. Yet, it would take a generous soul to praise the Clippers for trading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – and a lot of draft capital – for Paul George.
Could this deal really salvage this organization?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
This is bleak. We know that. When the Clippers acquired Leonard, he was one of the best players in the NBA. Now, we’ve got them flipping him for an expiring contract and one pick. Bleak.
We’re just trying to be realistic. Leonard’s constant injuries have tanked his trade value. This year, he hasn’t quite looked the same even healthy. It feels like Leonard may have the type of career that sees a steep, early decline. Here, we’ve got the Clippers moving him before they can’t get anything for him.
They’re freeing up cap room in the process. Thompson is on an expiring deal. Who knows? Perhaps he’ll thrive in Los Angeles, and the Clippers will improve.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors Updates
Yet, even if not, freeing up some cap space and landing an unprotected first could be worth the price of losing Leonard. Should the Warriors take a risk on him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
This Warriors team has a high floor. They’re going to make the playoffs, and they’ll probably win a series. Yet, their ceiling feels low. As currently constructed, it’s exceedingly difficult to imagine the Warriors making a title push.
If they had Leonard? That’s a different story. Sure, he hasn’t looked himself. At the same time, Leonard could simply be shaking off the rust.
If that’s the case, he could make Golden State a much more dangerous team when he returns. Besides, it doesn’t seem like the Warriors intend on extending Thompson anyway.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors Updates
If that’s true, they might as well move him. This is a calculated risk for the Warriors. If it works out, the rest of the NBA could be in trouble.
