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2019 NBA free agency: Ranking Kawhi Leonard’s best potential landing spots

By Daniel Lubofsky

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts in the first half against the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts in the first half against the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard has been linked to the Los Angeles Clippers as far back as last July. Born and raised in Southern California, the L.A. native has an interest in playing close to home … just not for the preeminent franchise of the county.

What the Nets are to the greater New York area in a sense is what the Clippers are to the City of Angels. The two teams occupy the same Staples Center arena, but the surrounding coverage is like night and day, with one backed by a championship-filled history and the other still finding its footing. Given Kawhi’s mild-mannered nature, that could come to be a difference-maker.

Despite having shipped away all of its top talents over the years, the Clippers still managed to compose a 48-34 record last season. While this was only good enough for the 8-seed in the tough Western Conference, L.A. still managed to take the mighty Golden State Warriors a surprising six games before bowing out.

The Clippers didn’t have a single All-Star on their roster this past season, but that didn’t stop them from posting the fifth-highest points per game and the ninth-most efficient offense. Lou Williams continued his prowess off the bench, while Danilo Gallinari averaged a career high in scoring. The possibilities are endless with a talent like Leonard leading the way.

Already with room for one max contract, Los Angeles certainly has the assets necessary to clear out room for a second. Even if management decides to run things back with just Kawhi in the fold, it would give the Clippers a tremendous talent upgrade. In what is now the wide-open West, he could put them over the top into title-contending status.