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Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles past the defense.
The Miami Heat may have the best chance at landing Kawhi Leonard via a trade this summer due to their desire to improve the roster. Last night’s elimination against the Charlotte Hornets confirmed a failed season and the need to make upgrades this summer. Leonard is reportedly considered Miami’s backup option behind Giannis Antetokounmpo as the top targets this summer.
Fadeaway World reported the best realistic trade offer to expect from the Heat for Leonard:
“Miami Heat Receive: Kawhi Leonard, Brook Lopez
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, 2029 First-Round Pick
From the Heat side, the appeal is obvious. Leonard still looked like a superstar this season, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 65 games while shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from three. That is real first-option production, not reputation. Brook Lopez is a useful part of this, too.”
The trade would see Miami getting Leonard to become their new superstar and adding Lopez for the veteran depth off the bench. Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins would be the main pieces traded by the Heat to give the Los Angeles Clippers a couple of new foundation pieces. Kawhi’s injury history and older age would only see Miami having to give up one draft pick compared to at least three for Giannis.
Why Clippers Would Accept This Trade
The Clippers invested in Leonard being the face of the franchise, but the experiment has worn out its welcome. Los Angeles traded away both James Harden and Ivica Zubac this past season to give up on the chance of contending for the foreseeable future.
There is also the wait for a ruling on a punishment for Leonard’s shady branding deal with Aspiration allegedly paying him under the table. NBA officials could punish Kawhi and/or the Clippers with fines or suspensions if they feel this jeopardized the legitimacy of the league’s contracts.
A combination of the contract situation getting ugly and the team getting younger may make it the right time. Leonard is coming off his best season in years to give the Clippers a better deal than past offseasons. Herro and Wiggins joining Darius Garland also gives them a solid starting lineup to reset their timeline.
Could Miami Contend With Kawhi Leonard?
It remains unlikely that Leonard alone makes the Heat a contending roster next season. The potential Giannis trade would see them offering more draft picks and a young piece like Kel’el Ware or Jaime Jaquez Jr.
This is relevant due to the Leonard trade proposal allowing them to keep assets for another trade. Miami could try to take advantage of Ja Morant’s low value to acquire him and pair with Leonard as the two new stars joining Bam Adebayo as a big three moving forward.
The Heat should follow through on their plan of going after Antetokounmpo first and making Leonard a backup plan. However, another noteworthy star is needed with Kawhi to truly contend for an NBA Championship this quickly. Expect Pat Riley to be as active as ever since this offseason will determine if Miami can win another title in his era.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford