There are a few surprise teams in the NBA this season who could be in the market for a difference-maker at the trade deadline. Sometimes, the big splash can make an enormous impact.
In the summer of 2018, the Toronto Raptors traded for Kawhi Leonard one year before his free agency, and he helped lead them to the first championship in franchise history. Now that he’s reportedly on the trade market again, teams are remembering what he did in just one season north of the border.
One contender that could take a swing at The Claw this year? The Detroit Pistons. In a new trade proposal from ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett, the team acquires Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers for some established players and a draft pick.
Here’s the full trade proposal:
- Pistons receive: F Kawhi Leonard
- Clippers receive: F Tobias Harris, G Jaden Ivey, G Chaz Lanier, G Javonte Green, one first-round pick
Who says yes to this deal? Who says no? Let’s see it through and find out:
Why Detroit Pistons Make This Trade
The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons (23-9) are having their best season this decade. Cade Cunningham shoulders most of the offensive responsibilities, averaging 26.6 points per game (the next closest teammate is Jalen Duren at 17.9 points per game). The All-NBA guard needs a sidekick if Detroit hopes to make a deep playoff run.
Leonard isn’t always healthy or available, but when he is both, you can’t say he’s not an elite scorer. Since returning from ankle and foot sprains in late November, Leonard is averaging 30 points per game, and the Pistons watched him score a career-high 55 points against them on December 28.
With Board Man rolling right now, he would be the perfect offensive addition for Detroit. Not to mention, his defensive presence would enhance a squad already ranked second in the league in defensive rating. Leonard has made big shots in the postseason before and could be the go to guy for a Pistons team trying to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2005.
Why Los Angeles Clippers Make This Trade
The Clippers are surging in the standings, and they will definitely need to evaluate their position closer to the February 5 trade deadline. If they decide to move Leonard, this deal will bring them a good mix of veterans, young players with potential and draft capital.
Jaden Ivey, a young guard who looked as if he’d found his footing in the league last year before a devastating lower leg injury, is the big piece in this return. He was averaging 17.4 points per game prior to the injury, but has posted only 8.1 points per game since returning on a minutes restriction in November. With more of a runway in Los Angeles, he could be a great offensive piece for the future.
The draft pick, assuming it is for 2026, is a huge plus for the Clippers because their own pick currently belongs to the Oklahoma City Thunder (a remnant of the trade for Paul George in 2019). It doesn’t look like it’ll be a lottery selection, but at this point, anything will help the oldest team in the NBA get younger.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Pistons Trade Proposal Adds Kawhi Leonard For Playoff Push appeared first on Heavy Sports.