The Los Angeles Clippers might be considering an alternative option for Kawhi Leonard, one that features the 2024 NBA Finals MVP.
As uncertainty grows around Leonard’s future in Los Angeles, the Clippers have reportedly begun to focus on Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. According to ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill, league executives have noted that the Clippers “want Brown bad,” adding to the noise surrounding NBA trade rumors.
The timing here is pretty telling.
Leonard is in the last year of his contract, and the Toronto Raptors are believed to be deeply engaged in trade discussions with the Clippers to bring him back to the team that helped him win the championship in 2019. It seems Leonard’s camp is after a long-term agreement, but the Raptors may be more inclined to offer such a deal compared to the Clippers, who might be hesitant about rekindling that partnership.
Even with Leonard potentially on the move, a complete overhaul of the team isn’t expected.
Owner Steve Ballmer appears uninterested in a full rebuild, and the Clippers’ interest in Brown aligns with that mindset. Instead of shaking things up dramatically, Los Angeles might be looking to replace one Finals MVP with another.
Acquiring Brown, a young two-way talent still in his prime, would be beneficial for the Clippers. The five-time All-Star has just had his best season, posting averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, while also shooting 47.7 percent from the field.
He would bring back playoff experience and the versatility on the wings that the Clippers would need should Leonard depart.
The dynamics involving the Celtics add another layer to this potential trade.
Reports indicate that Boston is listening to offers while Brown assesses how Brad Stevens will shape the roster alongside Jayson Tatum. He hasn’t formally requested a trade, and it would take a substantial offer to lure him away. With three years and approximately $183 million left on his contract, any interested team would need to meet both financial and asset requirements set by Boston.
This makes the Clippers’ pursuit a bit tricky.
Los Angeles itself might struggle to construct a desirable package for Brown, especially following their fifth overall pick, Keaton Wagler, and showcasing at least some inclination towards developing a younger roster. Still, a trade involving Leonard could alter the situation. If the Clippers were to trade Kawhi to Toronto, gathering players and draft assets in return, they might then use those pieces to approach Boston in a larger trade.
So, while a deal seems distant, a three-team scenario with Leonard, Brown, and Toronto is definitely something to keep an eye on.
For the moment, the Clippers’ stance seems quite apparent. Even without Leonard, they aim to retain a star player on their roster.
And it looks like Brown could be their best alternative if they need to offload the Finals MVP.
