The proof seems to be mounting in opposition to the L.A. Clippers and Kawhi Leonard in an alleged cap circumvention scheme. In consequence, it is changing into more and more potential that Leonard’s contract might be voided by the league.
NBA insiders John Hollinger and Nate Duncan even raised the potential for him being made a free agent sooner or later subsequent season throughout considered one of their latest podcasts. If the NBA finds the accusations to be true, it appears to be nicely inside their rights.
If that unprecedented step is taken, then it may ship shockwaves across the NBA with groups lining as much as signal Leonard. Even when for only a season. The Golden State Warriors ought to be a kind of groups.
In any case, their offseason has been among the many worst of all NBA groups. They’ve but to signal a free agent and are ready to signal Al Horford and Gary Payton II whereas the Jonathan Kuminga contract standoff performs out.
Even when it inevitably does resolve itself, Golden State’s three finest gamers, Steph Curry, Draymond Inexperienced, and Jimmy Butler, are all nonetheless over the age of 35. That’s extremely previous for a playoff staff’s core.
Subsequently, they’ll want for a number of younger gamers to step up or for them to accumulate one other large title to bolster their roster. That’s the place a Leonard might come into play.
The Warriors ought to pray that the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard turns into accessible
Though different groups might be able to provide him extra, if Leonard immediately finds himself a free agent, he might decide to hitch a contender subsequent season. That will give him the perfect probability to win within the quick time period as he plots his subsequent transfer in the long run.
Becoming a member of Golden State will preserve him in California and simply 4 hours from Los Angeles. It could additionally give him the possibility to rehab his picture by serving to flip the ageing Warriors into contenders.
To be clear, Leonard’s availability is all the time a serious query mark. But when they will get even 60 common season video games from him and preserve him wholesome for the playoffs, then he’d be price his weight in gold for the Warriors.
The Warriors can be prompt contenders with Kawhi Leonard
Think about a beginning 5 that options Curry, Buddy Hield, Butler, Leonard, and Draymond Inexperienced. That will pair three stellar defenders collectively within the entrance court docket whereas nonetheless having loads of taking pictures with Curry, Hield, and Leonard.
The chances of that occuring rely completely on the end result of an investigation by the league. That and Leonard selecting Golden State if his deal is voided, however there is a non-zero probability that occurs.
Barring Leonard falling into their laps, the Warriors would most likely be within the play-in vary. That is not an terrible spot for them to be in, however clearly a couple of tiers down the West pecking order with little upside.
In the end, the likelihood that Leonard shakes unfastened after having his contract voided appears more and more believable. If he does, then him becoming a member of up with Curry and the Warriors within the quick time period may remodel Golden State right into a win-now contender.
