Around a month ago, superstar Kawhi Leonard requested a trade from the Spurs with his ideal destination being the Lakers. Here, I will analyze some of Kawhi’s potential destinations and explain why, or why not, a trade would work.
Los Angeles Lakers:
After signing Lebron James, the Lakers are on the cusp of a super-team and Leonard could be the piece to get them there. The Lakers are at the top of Leonard’s trade list and he could stay long-term if traded there.
While the Lakers have the young assets to pull off a trade, I don’t think Kawhi will be playing there next season. The Spurs are reportedly uninterested in guard Lonzo Ball, so that leaves Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma as the two other trade pieces. Because Kawhi has expressed a desire to sign with the Lakers next offseason no matter what, I think the Lake Show will prefer to wait until then and keep their young core intact.
Boston Celtics:
One of the earliest teams connected with Leonard was the Celtics and for good reason. Boston can outbid every team because of their abundance of promising assets. The Spurs even announced that their ideal trade target was Boston’s 20-year-old stud, Jayson Tatum.
However, I do not think the Celtics will trade for Leonard. To get him, the Celtics will likely have to trade one of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kyrie Irving, or Gordon Hayward. Giving up an extremely promising future for a possible one year rental of Leonard is not smart for Boston.
The Celtics can create a package around Terry Rozier, Marcus Morris, and some picks but I doubt San Antonio will accept.
Los Angeles Clippers:
The Clippers are the only other team besides the Lakers who Leonard has expressed real interest in staying with long-term. Getting Kawhi will immediately boost the Clippers into playoff contention.
While the Clippers will likely have to part with their two 2018 first round picks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson along with some future picks, the lure of getting a superstar in Leonard might be too much to refuse.
Philadelphia 76ers:
With a young but very skilled team, adding Kawhi will immediately boost the Sixers into NBA Finals contention.
Because Ben Simmons and Joel Embid are virtually untouchable, Philadelphia will probably have to let go of guard Markelle Fultz plus other assets to get Leonard. Last years #1 draft pick, Fultz struggled mightily in his rookie season because of a shoulder injury which severely altered his shooting form. These first year struggles could be enough for the 76ers to trade him away. But if Philly is confident in Fultz’s progression, they probably won’t give him up for Kawhi.
Toronto Raptors:
Toronto is a dark horse candidate to trade for Leonard. Any possible trade package will likely include Raptors star DeMar DeRozan and other assets. The risk of Kawhi leaving Toronto after one year is high, but Leonard can put an already good Raptors team over the hump in next year’s playoffs.