Clippers Plan Revealed If Kawhi Leonard Raptors Trade Fails

One of the biggest trades of the NBA offseason is still up in the air due to the league investigation of Kawhi Leonard. The Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a franchise changing move by sending Leonard to his desired destination of the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. Both teams are hoping the trade goes through smoothly before next season, but the Clippers are fine with keeping Leonard if not.

Longtime NBA insider Ramona Shelburne confirmed the Clippers plan would be to retain Kawhi and have him lead the new look roster:

“If this trade doesn’t go through, if for some reason Toronto doesn’t want to proceed with it until they know the investigation, Clippers are fine with Kawhi Leonard being back on their team.”

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has a positive relationship with Leonard to warrant making it easy to have him back. Kawhi wanted the trade to both play for a better team and find a scenario where a franchise wanted to extend him for his next big contract.

Advertisement

Toronto loves Leonard for leading them to the 2019 NBA Championship with Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam. However, the Raptors could back out if the league decides to suspend Kawhi for allegedly getting money under the table.

Clippers Lineup With Kawhi Leonard Back

The lineup for the Clippers could be quite strong if Leonard is back and playing at the same level he did last year. Rookie Keaton Wagler is expected to start in the backcourt with Darius Garland as the two best teammates that Kawhi would have.

Clippers’ lineup and reserves with Leonard on team:

This roster would have a better chance at winning since Kawhi was considered a top 10 player in the league for most of last season. Injuries have burned the Clippers in the past for trusting Leonard, but head coach Ty Lue would love to coach this roster. The Clippers would improve their chances of making the playoffs with Kawhi on the team.

Advertisement

Clippers Lineup Without Kawhi Leonard

The trade going through would see the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/clippers-plan-revealed-kawhi-leonard-032755030.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-08-29 03:27:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.