Availability is one of the primary keys to success in today’s NBA.
However, the Golden State Warriors may disregard a Los Angeles Clippers superstar’s inability to remain on the hardwood and take a massive gamble.
“Kawhi Leonard is the ultimate wildcard, and if the Warriors can pull off a stunning trade for him, it could change everything,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Thursday.
“Leonard’s two-way dominance, highlighted by his career averages of 19.6 points per game and elite defense, would instantly make Golden State a top contender.”
“However, acquiring Kawhi would likely require a package centered around Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and the 2026 first-round pick.”
“Despite Leonard’s injury concerns (as he has yet to play a game this season), his championship pedigree and ability to take over games in the postseason make him a tantalizing option.”
“This move would carry significant risk, but the potential reward—another title run—could justify the gamble. If the Warriors want to shock the NBA world, Kawhi might be the answer.”
The NBA world knows what Leonard is capable of when he’s 100%, but the versatile 6-foot-7 forward has been injury-prone since joining the Clippers in 2019.
Leonard has missed various regular season and postseason clashes due to devastating setbacks, making him a high-risk target for the Warriors.
While Leonard is close to returning to action, there’s no telling how long the fragile superstar will last before suffering another frustrating injury.
Payton isn’t an elite player by any stretch of the imagination, but the Warriors would be better served sticking with the underestimated on-ball defender this season.
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