Should the Charlotte Hornets trade for Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard this offseason?
The Charlotte Hornets have been urged to trade for Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard this offseason.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes the Hornets should attempt to acquire Leonard from the Clippers this summer. Leonard has one year left on his contract and LAC could trade him this offseason since the franchise is no longer a championship contender.
"Kawhi Leonard would be ideal," Favale wrote. "He adds a layer of offensive creation but doesn't need the ball and makes it easier to move Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller around defensive wing assignments.
"Taking on his $50-plus million salary is somewhat prohibitive, but it comes off the books after next season and the Hornets have plenty of matching salary. Kawhi also won't cost nearly as much pick equity as Giannis Antetokounmpo. If he's willing to give Buzz City a try, they should be interested."
Leonard will make $50.3 million next season in the final year of his contract. The future Hall of Famer appeared in 65 games for the Clippers this season. He averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 50.5% from the field, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 89.2% from the free-throw line.
The Hornets and Clippers missed the playoffs this year, but Charlotte has a bright future with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel leading the way. Adding Leonard to that core undoubtedly guarantees that the Hornets make the playoffs next year.
Let's say the Hornets trade for Leonard this summer. Head coach Charles Lee can start Ball, Miller, Knueppel, Leonard and Moussa Diabaté next season. On paper, that's a dangerous-looking starting five.
A seven-time All-Star and two-time Finals MVP, Leonard has played for the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Clippers. He holds career averages of 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Hornets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Hornets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.