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2019 NBA free agency: Analyzing Kawhi Leonard’s options

By Ananth Para

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after Game Six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on June 13, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after Game Six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on June 13, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images
Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images /

Los Angeles Clippers

Imagine a scenario that offers Kawhi Leonard the opportunity to shy away from the glitz and glamour that the Los Angeles Lakers provide, play under a championship-caliber coach in Doc Rivers, live in his home state of California and also attract top-tier talent to play with him in the upcoming years.

Enter the Los Angeles Clippers.

After muddling away in NBA mediocrity for what seems like an eternity, the Clippers experienced one of the more underappreciated culture changes in NBA history with now owner/governor (depending on who you ask) Steve Balmer spearheading the charge.

Balmer has allowed president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank and front office adviser/NBA legend Jerry West to provide the Clippers with the perfect balance of on-court talent and cap room flexibility with each of their calculated transactions.

The Clippers offer the weakest roster out of Kawhi’s three main options, but with the gluttony of assets that the Clippers have at their disposal in both picks ( due to the Blake Griffin and Tobias Harris trades) and desirable young talent, the less heralded Los Angeles franchise is in perfect position to swing for a disgruntled star who wants a better chance at winning.