The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and LA Clippers have already got a whole lot of transactional historical past over the previous few years, however that might proceed much more come the commerce deadline.
The Clippers misplaced Paul George within the offseason, leaving his co-stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden as the one items of the Massive Three skilled to compete for an NBA championship. They do not look as threatening within the Western Convention as in earlier years, and indicators of a decline are already beginning to present.
Leonard continues to be coping with a knee damage that has lingered from final season, making it unlikely Los Angeles could have its franchise participant able to go well with up for its season opener. If damage continues to be an element all year long, it may critically jeopardize the Clippers’ place.
With Leonard’s damage coupled with Los Angeles’ championship window seemingly coming to an finish, it could possibly be time for either side to go their separate methods as soon as the All-Star break begins.
After all, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder could be one of many groups with probably the most property to entice the Clippers to make a commerce.
With the accidents he is suffered and the unreliability as a No. 1 choice over the previous two years, Leonard’s worth is far decrease than it as soon as was. Oklahoma Metropolis wouldn’t must sacrifice a big quantity of draft capital or younger expertise for him, returning the commerce rights to Los Angeles’ 2025 first-round choose and its unprotected 2026 first-round choose could be all he wants aside from the wage.
The 33-year-old is on an enormous contract that does not expire till the 2027 free company interval, however the Thunder may preserve that wage going till they’ve to start out giving extensions to Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, amongst others. With the vast majority of their roster on rookie contracts, now could be the time so as to add a participant of Leonard’s stature earlier than it is too late.
Oklahoma Metropolis would wish to see Leonard overcome his damage earlier than making such a dedication, however as soon as wholesome, a diminished offensive function may assist forestall future accidents by lowering his workload. The striker could be an important piece, however he would now not be required to be the principle choice.
Leonard won’t ever return to MVP standing in his profession, however the Thunder would not want it. He nonetheless averaged 20 factors per sport final season with stable perimeter protection, and to place that as Oklahoma Metropolis’s beginning small ahead? This might be a favourite for the title.
The commerce is actually a stretch, but when the Thunder and Clippers discover themselves on reverse sides in the course of the season, a Leonard commerce deal may change into a actuality.
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