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NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Reportedly Steps Up to Lock-in Chris Paul

Published 11/11/2020, 11:20 PM EST

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Every off-season brings with it the news of at least one major trade. This time around, it has to be Chris Paul and his purported exit from the Thunder. After the Phoenix Suns showed their interest in the veteran guard, the Clippers have also made their next move.

While many franchises are just beating around the bush, the LA-based organization has proven just how serious they are. The latest update claims that their small forward, Kawhi Leonard, has gone out of his way to reach out to CP3.

LA Clippers want Chris Paul back in the squad

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As per a report from Ryen Russillo, “The Clippers definitely interested in Chris Paul.”

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He added, “The math doesn’t really make any sense and Paul has basically told any of the teams that are interested in trading for him, ‘hey, I don’t want you trading your player for me. I want to just come and join you’.”

The 10-time NBA All-star is promised $41,358,814 in 2020-21. Moreover, he also has a player option worth $44,211,146 for 2021-22. It will be very difficult for the LA Clippers to make cap space for him. But if they’re very much eager to have him on-board, there are options where they can give up Landry Shamet and Patrick Beverley in trade. 

The Clippers also have Montrezl Harrell, Marcus Morris, and JaMychal Green approaching their free agencies. Hence, they can work their way out if CP3 shows his interest.

Kawhi Leonard is silently working on getting this deal done

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The Claw is not known for being in the public eye outside of the basketball court. He is a performer, but at the same time, a private person. But the news is out that he’s getting his hands dirty for this deal.

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Ryen pointed out, “Here’s something that did surprise me because it just feels like Kawhi is this distant, mythological creature that doesn’t talk with anybody. Apparently, Kawhi reached out to Chris Paul immediately and was like, ‘hey, you should come here.’ So that part is real, the pursuit is real, the interest and the math on it from Paul’s standpoint doesn’t seem to be all that realistic.”

The 4-time NBA Assists champion and 6-times NBA Steals champion can bring in elite defense, shot creation, and solid leadership into the Clippers’ side. In his last stint with the franchise, Chris averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 boards, 9.8 assists, and 2.2 steals. With his presence along with coach Tyronn Lue, Kawhi and PG can again push for an NBA title.

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Written by:

Sourabh Singh

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Sourabh Singh is an NBA sports analyst for EssentiallySports, who has been working with the site since May 2020. Prior to this, he functioned as Managing Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. The Sports Management graduate leads an active lifestyle, veering to the mountains for off-trail adventures.
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