Miami Heat: 3 reasons why Kawhi Leonard should be top free agent target
By Dalton Sell
The Miami Heat will have some soul-searching to do following their crushing early exit from the NBA Playoffs.
One year removed from representing the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals last season, the Heat were knocked out in the first round by the retooled Milwaukee Bucks. Losing to Milwaukee in four games was an embarrassing effort on Miami’s end, and they will now have a long offseason ahead of them to think about it.
However, rumors have already started to swirl about a potential superstar with links to Miami. That star is a household player named Kawhi Leonard, who is currently competing for an NBA title with the LA Clippers.
Recently talking on an episode of his show The Woj Pod, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski gave some insight into the future of Leonard and how the Heat could play a part in it. Transcribed by Mason Bissada of SI.com:
"“I think Kawhi is staying with the Clippers,” Wojnarowski said during a conversation with Zach Lowe. “He hasn’t said that publicly, and he probably won’t until the day he signs that contract. I know there’s been some mention of Miami. ‘Could Miami be a sleeper for him?’ I think he’s where he wants to be geographically. I think he’s gotten along very well with the organization, with management, with ownership.”"
Although Wojnarowski highlighted the belief that Leonard will likely stay with the Clippers at this point, the mention of Miami is certainly enough to stir the pot. With Leonard’s name floating about in rumors with an uncertain future ahead in Los Angeles, here are three reasons why Miami should pursue him if he elects to decline his player option for next season and enter free agency.
The Miami Heat should pursue Kawhi Leonard because he’s Kawhi Leonard
Do not overthink this one. If one of the best players in today’s NBA becomes available and is reportedly interested in signing with a certain franchise, it is typically a no-brainer that the interest is mutual.
That should unquestionably be the case here with the Heat and the rumors swirling about Leonard. Backed by two championships, two Finals MVPs, five All-Star nominations, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and much more hardware on his resume, Leonard has established himself to be among the top players in the association over the years.
Despite the lingering issues over the past two seasons with his knee and the never-ending load management saga, Leonard’s numbers prove that he is still at the top of his game. Since joining the Clippers, the forward has posted averages of 26 points on .488/.387/.885 shooting splits, 6.8 rebounds, and five assists over 109 regular-season contests. At 29-years-old, Leonard still has plenty of gas left in the tank, and a fresh start with the Heat could be an enticing pairing for both parties involved.