The Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly discussed trading superstar Kawhi Leonard to the Dallas Mavericks this summer, according to a report by The Athletic.
“Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri has interest in reuniting with Kawhi Leonard, multiple league sources with knowledge of Dallas’ thinking told The Athletic.
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“The Mavericks and LA Clippers have discussed a deal that would send the seven-time All-Star to Dallas for a package that would include P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and draft picks, said league sources granted anonymity to describe deliberations still in progress,” wrote The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Christian Clark and Sam Amick.
Leonard has one year remaining on his contract with the Clippers and is owed $50.3 million next season.
Even though owner Steve Ballmer has expressed he does not want to trade Leonard, parting ways with the two-time NBA champion could be the right long-term move for the franchise.
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Trading Leonard would to the Mavericks would give the Clippers some draft picks to work with in the future.
The Clippers are also at the center of an NBA investigation into allegations that the franchise used a fraudulent endorsement deal to circumvent the league’s salary cap and pay Leonard more money. If Los Angeles is found guilty, the Clippers could lose even more draft picks as a consequence.
At the NBA trade deadline, the Clippers traded veterans James Harden and Ivica Zubac for younger players Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin. Trading Leonard would allow the Clippers to acquire more young talent for the future.
In addition to the Mavericks, the Toronto Raptors have reportedly had discussions with the Clippers about a trade for Leonard, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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