The Los Angeles Clippers are out of the NBA Playoffs at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. Paul George missed the entire series and Kawhi Leonard was not available to play following Game 2, ending the team’s chances of getting past the superteam Suns led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Quite frankly, the Clippers were undermanned even if Russell Westbrook returned to All-Star form.
Looking ahead to next year, there are big questions about the Los Angeles Clippers and how they will attack the 2023-24 NBA season after yet another injury to Kawhi Leonard. Leonard is one of the most frustrating players in the NBA to follow because he just can’t keep healthy which is why an esteemed NBA analyst called him the worst superstar in NBA history. While that sounds harsh, Kawhi has not made life easy for Clippers fans. Reports have also come out that Leonard has been somewhat selfish in not communicating with teammates and staff and that doesn’t look good for the superstar player either.
Of course, to be fair, there are concerns about the players personal life right now as a torn meniscus and the unfortunate situation with his sister could be weighing on him. With so much going on, Leonard might need a change of scenery. The best place to get a superstar motivated and happy is Golden State, a franchise with a championship pedigree. Despite falling 0-2 to Sacramento, the Warriors have bounced back to take a 3-2 lead. Clearly, the team has what it takes to win.
Could the Warriors possibly have enough trade assets to take a gamble on Kawhi Leonard? Kawhi has not played at least 65 games since the 2016-17 season with the San Antonio Spurs and he isn’t getting younger at age 31. Here is the massive trade deal that will give Golden State a massive superteam to win the championship next year.
Trade Details
Trade Package: Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, 2023 First-Round Pick for Kawhi Leonard, Terance Mann
Obviously, this trade guts the Warriors in terms of depth but brings back one of the best two-way players in NBA history along with a score-first guard in Terance Mann who competes hard on both ends. It has been unbelievable how little Kawhi and George have played together and changes must be made once and for all. Here is how a blockbuster deal works for both sides.
Golden State Warriors Has The Best Team In NBA Again
Golden State made the Finals and won it all last year thanks to the experience and talent of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green although they are currently locked in a tight battle with the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the playoffs. If the Warriors can get past the young and pacey Kings in the first round, the team is right back in business, especially with Andrew Wiggins back and playing like an All-Star. Based on what we saw last year, Golden State has a very solid lineup that can play defense and score with the best of them.