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How the Kawhi Leonard Trade Affects the Warriors

By Andrew Ites

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kawhi Leonard has finally been traded away from San Antonio after a year of drama. How will this blockbuster move affect the Warriors?

Kawhi Leonard, his quad, his trade demands, and his relationship with the Spurs have been capturing headlines for the past year.

Kawhi and his management team made it clear that he wanted to leave San Antonio with a specific destination in mind: Los Angeles.

Leonard did not get his wish as the Spurs decided to trade him and Danny Green to Toronto for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first round pick.

This trade obviously has major implications for the Warriors.

First of all, it sends a potential MVP candidate away from one of their rivals and into the Eastern Conference.

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There are still some major question marks surrounding the status of Kawhi’s quad injury. But the last time he played a full season, he finished third in the league MVP voting.

The Spurs got an All-Star back in the trade, but DeMar DeRozan is not on the same level of Kawhi when they are both healthy.

Secondly, the Lakers have been making moves in an attempt to compete with Golden State next season and a Kawhi trade was among their potential moves.

Putting LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard on the same team instantly makes any squad a championship contender, even in the tough Western Conference.

There is still a possibility that Kawhi joins the Lakers in free agency next offseason. But the fact that he is not in Los Angeles this year makes Golden State’s path to the title a bit easier.

Next: How LeBron James’ move to LA impacts the Warriors

Overall, this trade weakens the Spurs, sends an All-NBA talent to the Eastern Conference, and prevents the Lakers from picking up another superstar this season. The Warriors are one of the biggest winners from today’s blockbuster trade.

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