USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Clippers are in heaps of trouble this season. Their star player, Kawhi Leonard, suffered an injury in the series against the Jazz. Since he underwent surgery for a partial ACL tear, Leonard may just miss the next entire season because of recovery. This has severely hurt the chances of the Clipper competing for a championship next season.
In addition, Kawhi Leonard could opt out of his player option and become a free agent. Now, many teams have the facilities to sign the All NBA first team. However, it all depends on whether Kawhi wants to test the free agency waters.
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One team that has emerged as a possible destination for the ‘Klaw’ is the Dallas Mavericks. The arch rivals of the Clippers through the last 2 seasons could indeed sign Kawhi Leonard.
Kawhi Leonard to Dallas?
There were a lot of issues in between the Clippers medical staff and Kawhi’s medical staff over his injury. We have seen this before with Kawhi and the Spurs. He ended up leaving the San Antonio Spurs due to internal issues to join the Toronto Raptors.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) moves in for a basket against Dallas Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis (6) and center Boban Marjanovic (51) during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
This situation is quite similar and could be a reason for Kawhi Leonard to leave. Leonard is always a quiet guy, and it is impossible to make out his future plans. However, given that it has happened in the past, it is possible.
The Dallas Mavericks can acquire ‘The Klaw’ by a sign and trade in this off season. That would pair Kawhi Leonard with 22-year-old Luka Doncic. Would they work together? Yes- because of Leonard’s versatility, he can fit with a ball dominant player like Luka Doncic.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) falls while controling the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Luka is a great playmaker and pairing him up Kawhi’s offensive skill-set is dangerous in itself. Both these players are stars of their organizations and have performed brilliantly under the spotlight. Luka averaged a near 35-point triple double against the Clippers in their playoff battle this season.
Now, Luka’s beef with Clippers does exist. However, he does not despise Kawhi Leonard. They had a great battle against each other as Kawhi also put up 32 points and 2 steals per game. Kawhi’s ability in the midrange to go with Luka’s deadeye shooting will be a deadly duo.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Will ‘The Klaw’ leave the Clippers?
The Clippers, led by Paul George, reached their first ever Conference finals in franchise history this season. Even without Kawhi, they outperformed the expectations and took Phoenix to 6 games.
Looking at the current scenario, it is unlikely that Kawhi Leonard will leave the Clippers. The All Star forward has may opt out of his player option to sign a bigger deal with the Clippers itself. Leonard has been playing well, and had adjusted to the Clippers system.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 8, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the hoop against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the fourth quarter during game one in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
Leonard has a talented team under him and is also competing for his third championship. He, along with PG13, will look to make the Los Angeles Clippers the A-side in LA and win the first title in franchise history. If Kawhi does win both the title and Finals MVP, he will join LeBron James as the second player to win Finals MVP with 3 different organizations.
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