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 turning into more and more attainable that Leonard’s contract can be voided by the league.
NBA insiders John Hollinger and Nate Duncan even raised the potential of him being made a free agent sooner or later subsequent season throughout certainly one of their current podcasts. If the NBA finds the accusations to be true, it appears to be effectively inside their rights.
If that unprecedented step is taken, then it might 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 spite of everything, 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 That’s extremely outdated for a playoff workforce’s core.
Subsequently, they may want for a number of younger gamers to step up or for them to accumulate one other huge identify 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 supply him extra, if Leonard all of the sudden finds himself a free agent, he might decide to hitch a contender subsequent season. That might give him the very best likelihood 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 will additionally give him the prospect to rehab his picture by serving to flip the getting older Warriors into contenders.
To be clear, Leonard’s availability is all the time a significant query mark. But when they’ll 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 instantaneous contenders with Kawhi Leonard
Think about a beginning 5 that options Curry, Buddy Hield, Butler, Leonard, and Draymond Inexperienced. That might 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 totally on the result of an investigation by the league. That and Leonard selecting Golden State if his deal is voided, however there is a non-zero likelihood that occurs.
Barring Leonard falling into their laps, the Warriors would in all probability be within the play-in vary. That is not an terrible spot for them to be in, however clearly just a few tiers down the West pecking order with little upside.
Finally, the chance that Leonard shakes free 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 might remodel Golden State right into a win-now contender.
