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The proof seems to be mounting in opposition to the L.A. Clippers and Kawhi Leonard in an alleged cap circumvention scheme. Because of this, it is turning into more and more potential that Leonard’s contract can be voided by the league.
NBA insiders John Hollinger and Nate Duncan even raised the opportunity of him being made a free agent sooner or later subsequent season throughout one in all their current podcasts. If the NBA finds the accusations to be true, it appears to be nicely inside their rights.
If that unprecedented step is taken, then it may ship shockwaves across the NBA with groups lining as much as signal Leonard. Even when for only a season. The Golden State Warriors ought to be a type of groups.
In any case, their offseason has been among the many worst of all NBA groups. They’ve but to signal a free agent and are ready to signal Al Horford and Gary Payton II whereas the Jonathan Kuminga contract standoff performs out.
Even when it inevitably does resolve itself, Golden State’s three finest gamers, Steph Curry, Draymond Inexperienced, and Jimmy Butler, are all nonetheless over the age of 35. That’s extremely previous for a playoff crew’s core.
Due to this fact, they’ll want for a number of younger gamers to step up or for them to accumulate one other huge title to bolster their roster. That’s the place a Leonard might come into play.
The Warriors ought to pray that the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard turns into accessible
Though different groups could possibly supply him extra, if Leonard immediately finds himself a free agent, he might choose to affix a contender subsequent season. That may give him one of the best likelihood to win within the brief time period as he plots his subsequent transfer in the long run.
Becoming a member of Golden State will hold him in California and simply 4 hours from Los Angeles. It could additionally give him the prospect to rehab his picture by serving to flip the growing old Warriors into contenders.
To be clear, Leonard’s availability is all the time a significant query mark. But when they’ll get even 60 common season video games from him and hold him wholesome for the playoffs, then he’d be price his weight in gold for the Warriors.
The Warriors could be prompt contenders with Kawhi Leonard
Think about a beginning 5 that options Curry, Buddy Hield, Butler, Leonard, and Draymond Inexperienced. That may pair three stellar defenders collectively within the entrance court docket whereas nonetheless having loads of taking pictures with Curry, Hield, and Leonard.
The chances of that taking place rely solely on the end result of an investigation by the league. That and Leonard selecting Golden State if his deal is voided, however there is a non-zero likelihood that occurs.
Barring Leonard falling into their laps, the Warriors would in all probability be within the play-in vary. That is not an terrible spot for them to be in, however clearly a couple of tiers down the West pecking order with little upside.
In the end, the chance that Leonard shakes free after having his contract voided appears more and more believable. If he does, then him becoming a member of up with Curry and the Warriors within the brief time period may remodel Golden State right into a win-now contender.
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