NBA Offseason: Kawhi Leonard is key to upgrading the OKC Thunder roster
Monster Trade
This trade cannot be made official until the 7th of August. Williams signed a three-year, 21-million-dollar extension with the Clips in February this year.
SAS receive 2022 and 2024-1st round picks via LAC, 2022-1st round pick via OKC, 2019 and 2020-2nd round picks via LAC and Tobias Harris
LAC receive 2019-2nd round pick, Kyle Singler, Dakari Johnson and Kawhi Leonard
OKC receive Lou Williams.
Why San Antonio do it
The two starter, three first-round picks and two pick swaps they asked for was unrealistic. However, this offer is pretty close. The Spurs receive Tobias Harris, a 25-year-old small forward who set career highs in points (19.3), assists (3.1), steals (1.2) and three-point percentage (42). He is an immediate starter and a ideal replacement for Leonard. He is about to enter his prime and if his projections are true, should continue to improve.
The Spurs also receive three first-round picks and two second-round picks in the deal. There is belief around the league that the one-and-done college rule will be removed.
The NBA and NBPA conversations on eliminating the one-and-done draft rule -- which would allow high school seniors to enter the NBA -- are centered on the 2020 Draft as the earliest possible date for change, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 25, 2018
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If this does go ahead, the picks become much more valuable. The two second-round picks via Los Angeles are included as sweetners.
Why the Clippers do it
The Clippers finally receive a legitimate superstar in Leonard. Owner Steve Balmer and head coach Doc Rivers loathe rebuilds and like to compete for championships. This trade puts them back in the conversation and shortcuts the rebuilding process. Singler and Johnson are thrown in as expiring deals that come off the books this season. The second round pick via OKC is a sweetener for taking on those two contracts.
Why Oklahoma City do it
They finally receive a legitimate scorer off the bench to boost an otherwise lackluster second unit. OKC fans can rest easy when the starters check out for a breather as Lou will get buckets.
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Some view a 2022 first-round pick as a steep price for an ageing shooting guard however, Russ and PG are in win-now mode. Westbrook and George will be in the final year of their deals so this move is a strictly win now move.