Look, it's no secret that the Golden State Warriors are going to go star hunting this summer, doing what they can to bring another big-name to San Francisco to pair with Steph Curry. After Tim Kawakami's latest report for The San Francisco Standard, though, it's even clearer that that's what they'll do, but there's a bit of a twist.
ESPN previously reported that the Warriors were interested in trading for Kawhi Leonard before the deadline. However, Kawakami took it a step further by revealing, per league sources, that Golden State was "reasonably close" to striking a deal (subscription required) with LA, but the Clippers pulled out.
Kawakami added this, too:
"Those same sources said it's understood around the league that the Warriors will continue to pursue big names to complete a glamor starting lineup that would also include Curry, Draymond, Jimmy Butler (when he's healthy), and maybe Porzingis."
Warriors could go after Giannis and/or Kawhi this offseason
Giannis Antetokounmpo will probably be back on the market, but for real this time. The thing is, even with the four first-round picks that the Warriors reportedly offered the Bucks before the deadline, they don't have the young centerpiece that Milwaukee wants. That and Giannis may not even want to sign an extension with Golden State.
Does that mean a trade won't be in play? Absolutely not. It's just the reality of how things look right now. That can change.
What we know now is that the team could make a strong run at Kawhi, as Kawakami also reported that the star's name "continues to be connected to possible Warriors moves." Maybe the Clippers will trade him this summer, unless his contract with the team gets voided as part of the ongoing Aspiration investigation, which could pave his way straight to Golden State.
Pressure is on the Warriors to upgrade the roster
This season didn't go the way anyone in San Francisco planned, and time isn't on the organization's side yet. Curry turned 38 in March. The Warriors have been all-in on doing whatever it takes to win another championship with the superstar guard, which is why they traded for Butler last year.
Unfortunately, injuries got in their way last year in the playoffs, as Curry hurt his hamstring. They've been a theme this season, from Butler to Moses Moody to Steph himself (and that's not all of it), who hasn't played since Jan. 30 due to his knee.
Butler and Moody will both probably miss a chunk of next season recovering, so being without their top two wings is a hurdle they already know they will have to try to cross. You know who could help? Kawhi.
We can go on all day about injuries, not just about Kawhi, but about all of the Warriors' top players. The thing is, though, Golden State has shown no indication of turning back. If you're going to keep going all-in, you have to be willing to take Kawhi Leonard-sized risks.