ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski believes the Los Angeles Clippers have put themselves in “great position” to sign Kawhi Leonard next summer. “What the Clippers are doing right now is very below the radar," Wojnarowski said on his podcast The Woj Pod. "What they've done to put themselves in position. They didn't gut themselves and they're not tanking. They're putting a competitive team on the floor.”
Even though the Clippers have a handful of players with one year remaining on their current contract, the team has managed to construct a roster that could very well be in contention for a playoff spot this season. With nearly $60 million coming off the books this summer, the organization has certainly put themselves in a great spot by freeing up enough money to possibly entice two superstars to come to L.A. “The Clippers are in great position with (Leonard)," Wojnarowski said. “They have two max slots. They will be heard from again, I think, in these Jimmy Butler trade talks."
This past July, the Toronto Raptors dealt four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Pöltl, and a protected first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs for Leonard, and Danny Green. The trade was a risky move by the Raptors that they hope will mirror the results of the Oklahoma City Thunder with Paul George this summer. Wojnarowski believes no one can rule out the possibility that Kawhi could grow to enjoy his time in Toronto and choose to stay there long-term, especially if they happen to make it to The Finals. “I think, right now, with Kawhi Leonard, they have a better than not chance of getting him,” he said. “We know things will change. He could love Toronto.”
