NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard is more in demand than Giannis Antetokounmpo on the market

The upcoming NBA transfer market seems to be marked by potential movements of true superstars. Among all the names that could change teams, Giannis Antetokounmpo appears as the major target for many franchises. The two-time league MVP and Finals MVP is considered a player capable of completely transforming any team when healthy.

Precisely there lies the big question. Injuries have affected the last season of the Greek player, who only played 36 games. That situation has even led an executive from an Eastern Conference franchise to tell journalist Brian Windhorst that, as of today, he would prefer to acquire Kawhi Leonard over Giannis.

“Every day we talk about what will happen with Giannis, but everyone ignores that Kawhi has been better and healthier over the last two seasons,” explained that executive. “If I had the opportunity to sign one of the two, I would probably choose Kawhi”.

Kawhi regains prominence after one of his healthiest seasons

Although the numbers slightly contradict that statement, recent perception seems to favor the Los Angeles Clippers player. Leonard has played 102 games in the last two seasons, while Antetokounmpo has played 103. However, Kawhi has just completed one of his most physically stable seasons in a long time. He participated in 65 games and also achieved his career-best scoring average, with 27.9 points per game.

On the other hand, Giannis averaged 27.6 points, although his season was marked by physical issues and a long disagreement with the Milwaukee Bucks regarding his availability to play in the final weeks of the season. He ultimately did not return to action after March 15, a game that also seems to have been the Greek's last with Milwaukee.

Despite the renewed interest that Leonard could spark, there is another factor that any interested franchise must consider. Both the player and the Clippers are being investigated by the NBA for an alleged salary cap evasion, a situation that could even lead to the annulment of his contract. The forward still has one year guaranteed at a rate of 50 million dollars.

Kawhi Leonard has won two Finals MVP awards, in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs and in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors. Giannis obtained his in 2021 with Milwaukee. It was precisely in those 2019 Eastern Conference Finals that Leonard took on the defensive challenge of stopping Antetokounmpo, in a series that led Toronto to the Finals and subsequently to the title.