NBA Rumors: Golden State Warriors Persists with Kawhi Leonard
The Los Angeles Clippers' superstar could change teams this summer after 7 years with the LA franchise without having won the ring.
The possibility of Kawhi Leonard ending up with the Golden State Warriors did not vanish with the close of the transfer market. What was a topic of conversation during that period continues to be present several months later.
This is affirmed by Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports, who maintains that the interest of the San Francisco franchise in the Los Angeles Clippers player remains intact.
"I think the Warriors still want Kawhi Leonard. I still believe Golden State continues to try to go for Kawhi. I don't think the Warriors' interest in Leonard has diminished at all. It all depends on whether the Clippers decide to bet on a younger roster," explained O'Connor.
Ballmer’s words raise doubts
Despite the Clippers' owner, Steve Ballmer, insisting that there is no intention to trade Leonard, some voices within the league consider that stance could be part of a negotiating strategy.
According to O'Connor, several people from his NBA contacts have conveyed this possibility.
"I have spoken with people from the league who believe they could be trying to increase their negotiating power to obtain a better compensation," he pointed out.
Clippers’ moves point towards a new direction
O'Connor's analysis is also supported by some recent decisions made by the Los Angeles franchise.
He explains that the team's movements show characteristics of an organization geared towards a younger project.
Among them are the departures of James Harden and Ivica Zubac, as well as the addition of promising young talents like Bennedict Mathurin and Darius Garland.
This is further complemented by the momentum gained in the Draft after securing the fifth overall pick.
For O'Connor, this is an aspect worth monitoring closely in the coming days, especially until Golden State reaches its drafting turn with the 11th pick in the Draft next week.
The ideal moment to move Leonard
Analyst Tom Haberstroh shares the perspective presented by O'Connor and believes that this could be the best possible time to consider moving the player.
He explains that the uncertainty about his future physical condition makes the current situation a particularly favorable opportunity.
"There is no guarantee that Kawhi will be healthy next season, so you would either try to trade him afterward or let him leave without getting anything back as a free agent," he stated.
Haberstroh also considers that Leonard is currently at an optimal point in terms of market value.
"There is no better time than now to trade Kawhi Leonard when he holds a very high value, is healthy, and continues to play at a high level," he affirmed.
A final bet around Stephen Curry
Leonard's arrival would mean adding even more experience and leadership to a Warriors team that is still seeking one last chance to compete for the championship during Stephen Curry's tenure as the team's cornerstone.
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