NBA
Transaction Reaction: Clippers Sign Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles made the blockbuster of the summer, by not only trading for Paul George but adding arguably the best player in the world
USA Inquirer
Kawhi Leonard was the hottest name on the free agent market, specifically after Kevin Durant tore his Achilles, and Leonard led Toronto to its first NBA Championship. Once Leonard and the Raptors became ‘We the Champs‘, it appeared that would be enough to convince Kawhi to stay above the border and defend the title in the 6ix, at least for one season. Instead, he quietly recruited fellow LA-originated Paul George to request a trade out of OKC just a year after inking a 4yr/$137M extension. Once the Clippers finalized the agreement to land PG, the Klaw was heading to the Clippers. Let’s breakdown what this means for Leonard, the Clippers, and everyone impacted by this blockbuster transaction.
The Clippers made arguably the biggest splash of the summer by signing the reigning Finals MVP and trading for All-Star Paul George. The Clippers now join their Staples Center counterparts as favorites to win the NBA finals. The addition of Kawhi brings a star with Finals experience to a core of hungry players who exceeded a lot of expectations last season. Kawhi is not only a proven leader, but a player who can adjust to any style or system. Adding Kawhi in addition to Paul George, will make it incredibly difficult for anybody to score against the Clippers defense. A defensive lineup of Beverley-Harkless-Leonard-George-Harrell is downright scary for any opponent.
Future Outlook: Championship favorite overnight
There is a solid contingent of analysts that would give Kawhi Leonard the title of ‘Best Player in the World’ as of now. Coming fresh off an NBA Championship and Finals MVP while simultaneously ending the Warriors dynasty, Leonard now comes back home to Los Angeles. Leonard will be the focal point of a team trying to win an NBA finals for the first time in franchise history once again. With the bigger picture of winning a championship in mind, Leonard will most likely play less regular season games in order to keep his body fresh for the playoffs aka “load management“.
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year aligns with one of the scrappiest teams in the league who many people wrote off last season. Leonard is joined by George, who was All-NBA Defensive 1st team this past season as well as Patrick Beverley who is a 2x All-Defense member in his own right. The Clippers also have Lou Williams and Montrez Harrell coming off the bench who set the record for scoring by a bench duo last season. All of these factors played into Kawhi’s decision to join the team and explain why they are favorited to win the NBA Finals next season.
Future Outlook: All-NBA player with legitimate Finals MVP potential every season
Leonard’s contract is a three year deal with a player option for the third year, so there is a possibility that Kawhi only stays two years in Los Angeles. The salary would increase roughly 2 million every year. The Clippers are approaching the luxury tax, with a mid-season acquisition being the last domino to push it over the edge, but that should be no problem for a team with championship aspirations and the wealthiest owner in North American sports.
Doc Rivers: Doc Rivers has been one of the premier coaches in the NBA since he rose to popularity with the Celtics. This is not the first time Rivers will have multiple All-Stars on his team, but this is just as talented a roster, if not more so, than his 2008 championship Celtics team. Rivers is also intelligent enough to know how to play Leonard in his scheme and utilize his strengths on defense. It is clear that Rivers’ players enjoy playing for him and adding a guy like Leonard to that roster will only give Rivers more motivation to take home his second championship.
Lou Williams: The 3x 6th Man of the Year finally will have some help when it comes to scoring. Williams has led the Clippers in scoring each of the past two seasons, despite coming off the bench. Williams will be even more of a weapon now for the Clippers with an improved starting 5 giving other teams substitution nightmares. Williams will also be beneficial to George and Leonard who will be able to go to the bench without worrying if the teams scoring will drop.
Steve Balmer: The Microsoft CEO turned basketball owner is finally on the doorstep of his franchises first title. When Balmer purchased the Clippers in 2014 the team was in the midst of the Lob City era. This was one of the first periods of relevancy for the Clippers, and Balmer vowed to keep them that way. The team that is now assembled is the Clippers first real shot at a title in franchise history and Balmer’s energy and willingness to expand the franchise to Los Angeles’s premier team is a main reason why.
Toronto Raptors: After bringing the first NBA title to Toronto, Leonard departed as many believed he originally would. The Raptors and their fans are certainly pleased with the year they had, but now have to focus on a complete rebuild with Pascal Siakam now the face of the franchise’s future. Toronto returns most of their championship roster, but without Kawhi they will have a tough time getting out of the east, or even securing home-court advantage. Nick Nurse is still a great coach and the core is mainly young. A midseason trade for a star could potentially get them back into the thick of things if they don’t have to give up too many present-value assets.
Here are some of the best reactions from around the league:
– Adande remembers Kawhi’s last moment in Toronto
A reminder: these were Kawhi’s last public words as a Raptor. #Ahahahaha pic.twitter.com/Lm0LBqRYmW
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) July 6, 2019
– Looks like Beverley is getting right to work
Don’t talk to me
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) July 6, 2019
– Players Across the league cannot believe it
OMG
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 6, 2019
Wait whatttttt. This night just got even more crazy (wasn’t sure that was possible) PG and Kawhi to the Clips!? Wow.
— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard11) July 6, 2019
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) July 6, 2019
Hahahaha naw bro what lol
— Julius Randle (@J30_RANDLE) July 6, 2019
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) July 6, 2019
– Should Kawhi get a statue in the 6ix?
Give kawhi his statue, Toronto
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) July 6, 2019
Any team signing Kawhi Leonard would have received an easy A+ grade for the acquisition. His general dominance and will to win are matched by few in the league and he is the definition of a two-way player. Championships are well within striking distance with the current lineup and the Clippers have made Los Angeles the most exciting city in basketball for at least the next two years. The Los Angeles Clippers now have their sights set on the biggest prize in the sport: the Larry O’Brien trophy.. and it’s all thanks to the presence of Kawhi Leonard.
Grade: A+
Leonard makes the Clippers the team to beat in the NBA and brings a culture of defensive tenacity and unmatched focus to a team that is hungry for success. His calm demeanor and finals success will help the less experienced members of the team come playoff time.
Bottom Line: Leonard makes the Clippers not only title threats, but a must-see team throughout the season.
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