The LA Clippers parted ways with one of their superstars this offseason (Paul George), but another of LA’s franchise centerpieces might soon be out the door.
It’s difficult to gauge the potential of the James Harden-Kawhi Leonard partnership. Leonard has seldom been healthy since joining the Clippers. Harden certainly won’t defer to Leonard, which could not only hurt the Clippers in the win-loss column but lead to friction.
If things go south for LA, don’t be surprised if Leonard and his camp put pressure on the Clippers to trade him. Or, even if Leonard does no such thing, LA might decide to blow everything up and put him on the block anyway if they see that the Harden-Leonard pairing can’t compete in a loaded West.
Leonard, 33, still theoretically has a few years of basketball left, which he’d presumably prefer to spend playing for a contender.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes believes that can happen, as Hughes recently published a piece showing how a Leonard-to-Oklahama City Thunder trade is possible.
“Too ambitious?” Hughes said. “Not for the pick-laden Oklahoma City Thunder who, in addition to having the assets to land a big fish, have the specific draft equity that should interest the floundering LA Clippers.”
“OKC’s haul from the Clips in the Paul George trade included swap rights on LA’s 2025 first-rounder and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder. Send those back with more attached and some matching salary, and the Thunder could get the Clippers out of the long-term bind they’re in.”
“Oh, and adding Leonard without giving up too many core pieces could solidify OKC as a title favorite.”
The Thunder with Leonard would be terrifying. Ultimately, Leonard’s knees are the most unpredictable variable.
Would Oklahoma City take the risk?
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