The Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard are heading toward a split. That much has become clearer over the last 48 hours as trade conversations between the Clippers and at least one other team have picked up steam.
NBA insider Chris Haynes dropped some pretty direct language on Monday during an NBA TV hit. According to Haynes, the Clippers had a chance to lock Leonard into a two-year, $125 million extension. They passed. And that decision has basically set everything in motion.
“Kawhi he was up for an extension where he could’ve gotten two years and $125 million,” Haynes said. “The Clippers were not doing that. So that’s what led us to the point where they started looking at other suitors.”
Here’s the thing about Leonard’s situation. He’s got one year left on his current deal. That gives him a ton of leverage. If a team tries to trade for him and he’s not interested in sticking around long-term, he can simply let them know he’ll bolt after next season. That makes any potential trade a risky move for the acquiring team unless Leonard signs off on an extension first.
The team that seems most connected to all this? The Toronto Raptors. Leonard’s former squad. According to Haynes, the Clippers and Raptors have been talking. But there’s a hang-up. Toronto’s offers so far have been described as underwhelming, with sources telling ClutchPoints the packages have been one-sided in favor of the Raptors.
“I was told that there’s a little bit of a stalling point right now between those two teams,” Haynes said. “Kawhi Leonard, as it was relayed to me, that would be a team that he would sign an extension with. So that’s why these talks are ongoing.”
So the Clippers want more. The Raptors aren’t there yet. But the conversations are still happening. That alone tells you both sides think something could get done eventually.
Haynes didn’t mince words about where he thinks this is headed.
“I think it’s very unlikely that Kawhi Leonard returns to the Los Angeles Clippers,” he said. “I think it’s a situation where It’ll be very hard to put the toothpaste back in the tube after declining that contract extension.”
Free agency officially opens on June 30. But that date doesn’t really apply here. Trade talks can happen any time. And with Leonard’s camp signaling they’d be open to re-signing in Toronto, this thing could move fast once the Clippers find an offer they like.
For now, it feels like we’re watching the final chapter of the Kawhi-Clippers era get written. And it’s not going to be a happy ending for LA fans.
Leave a Comment