Golden State Warriors: Could they land Kawhi Leonard?

Steph Curry’s record-breaking performance was astounding, coupled with a massive Golden State Warriors win over the fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets. But despite the positive performance on the court, there was something else from yesterday that may have had fans salivating even more.

Rumors have emerged that the Golden State Warriors are interested in pursuing Kawhi Leonard. Is this move even possible?

Could the Warriors land Clippers star Kawhi Leonard during the off-season? The thought was well and truly put to the front of fans minds thanks to Evan Massey of the NBA Analysis Network.

The thought of Leonard to the Warriors quickly spread around social media, with fans quick to point out the financial difficulties of acquiring Leonard whilst keeping their core intact.

How could the Warriors get it done?

Leonard is in the second of a three-year, $103 million dollar deal, although he can choose to opt-out of his final year at the end of this season. However, although Leonard could become an unrestricted free agent should he choose, the Warriors’ salary cap situation makes it impossible for the Warriors to sign him.

What they could do is orchestrate a sign-and-trade, similar to what they did with the Nets when Kevin Durant left and D’Angelo Russell joined the team. Such a move would almost certainly see the departure of Andrew Wiggins, but could also see others moved on including James Wiseman. Given the threat of Leonard walking to another team for nothing, the asking price from the Clippers would be far inferior to a normal, contracted situation.

Why would Kawhi do it?

During his last season in San Antonio, Leonard made it clear to the front office that he wanted to return home to Los Angeles. The Spurs ultimately sent him to Toronto, where he won the 2019 championship against the Warriors. But even despite the championship, the allure of home was too much, culminating in Leonard signing with the Clippers in free agency. Although it seems fanciful for Leonard to leave LA given his initial press to get there, the Warriors and San Francisco aren’t too far away.

In signing with the Clippers, Leonard made them hemorrhage their future in order to attain all-star forward Paul George from the Thunder. In their first season together, the Clippers were dumped from the playoffs in the second round, surrendering a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets.

If they were to fail in their quest for a championship this season, it may lead Leonard into reconsidering his future with the franchise. Why play with George when you could play with two of the top five shooters of all time, a former defensive player of the year, and an ultra-talented young big man should Wiseman remain?

How would the team look?

As currently constructed, there are genuine question marks regarding whether this roster, with a healthy Klay Thompson, can return to title contention. The acquisition of Leonard would alleviate any such question marks. Providing full health, there’s no doubt a core of Curry, Thompson, Leonard and Green would challenge for the NBA title.

As good as Andrew Wiggins has been this season, Leonard would be a major upgrade. Although they’re different players, he would practically replace Kevin Durant from the 2017-19 Finals teams.

Massey’s statement included that it’s a long shot, however that won’t stop the Warriors fan base from exploring the potential of Leonard being on the Warriors roster next season.