Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers is one of the best players in recent NBA history. That’s undeniable. Leonard is one of the best two-way wings in league history.
With that said, eventually, Father Time comes for everyone. He appears to have come for Leonard early. This year, he hasn’t been nearly as productive as the Clippers had hoped.
After a rash of injuries, it’s reasonable to wonder whether Leonard can ever be the same player again. Fortunately for the Clippers, Paul George hasn’t lost a step.
They could hold out hope that Leonard regains his form. On the other hand, the Clippers could decide that he’s expendable.
Could they send him to the Miami Heat?
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Kyle Lowry, G/F Duncan Robinson, 2027 First Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: F Kawhi Leonard
Meanwhile, the two-way wing is a more popular archetype than it used to be. The league has seen a rash of 3-and-D role players, but also, we’ve seen more star players in that mold as well.
Leonard and George are two of the most prominent examples. The Heat’s Jimmy Butler is another. Yet, these players aren’t identical.
Butler has never been as reliable of a floor spacer as the Clippers’ duo, but he’s always been a better ball handler and playmaker. Where did the two-way wing craze begin?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat Updates
Arguably, with LeBron James. Sure, that’s a reductive way to describe his game – James is one of the best playmakers in league history. Still, he is a two-way wing.
Should the Heat pair two more prominent players from that movement?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
For Miami, this is a buy-low opportunity. Even last season, Leonard would have cost them far more than this. They’d have had to tack on two more first-round picks at a minimum.
Yet, that points to a reason for Miami to avoid Leonard too. He seems to be in decline, and that decline may be permanent. Sure.
With that said, the Heat don’t need to run their offense through Leonard. They’ll continue giving the ball to Butler and Bam Adebayo.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat Updates
In other words, they’re effectively flipping an aging point guard, a shooting specialist, and a pick for a strong 3-and-D wing. Never mind Leonard’s name value – that’s a fair deal.
Should the Clippers make it?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
It’s hard to believe that it’s come to this. This would sting for the Clippers – we won’t deny that. On the other hand, what else can they do? As it stands, they risk losing Leonard for nothing at all.
Besides, this deal does diversify their rotation. There could be times when Lowry is a more effective option than Russell Westbrook.
Moreover, the Clippers could use Robinson’s injection of movement shooting. Each of these players can find a role with this team. Still, landing a first for Leonard is the main draw for the Clippers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat Updates
They sacrificed a lot more to pair him with Paul George. Those are sunk costs. At this point, they should be happy to land an asset for Leonard. It seems like Father Time has come for him.
