The Portland Trail Blazers are a playoff team, but if they want to take the next step, they need to add this summer. On the surface, going young makes sense. But if the Blazers wanted to be risky and try to win right now, a big-swing trade for Kawhi Leonard may have just crossed the table.
Leonard is 34 years old, but he’s still an elite player. He just averaged a career-high mark in points while playing more than he has in recent years. Adding him to a blossoming young core could be a very interesting move for Portland as they look to ascend in a crowded Western Conference.
There would certainly be risks involved, but a trade for Leonard would definitely see the Blazers rise up in the West.
Blazers should consider Kawhi Leonard trade this summer
The LA Clippers were just unceremoniously eliminated from the Play-In Tournament by the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry poured in 35 points, Al Horford nailed four fourth-quarter threes, and Draymond Green locked up Leonard in the final frame.
Now, the summer looks uncertain for the Clippers. They’ve already traded James Harden (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Ivica Zubac (Indiana Pacers), both of whom were shipped out at the deadline. Who’s to say Leonard couldn’t be next?
Portland would have to be very careful about who and what it traded in a potential Leonard deal. It wouldn’t be worth it to sell the farm for Leonard, especially considering he may be particular about where he wants to play.
But if they could convince him to join the team while also not having to give up too much in a deal, then adding him to their core would be a very intriguing move to make.
Imagine a starting lineup of Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Leonard, and Donovan Clingan. Or maybe Shaedon Sharpe in there. Or Jrue Holiday.
One or two of those guys would likely have to be sent out in the trade, but you get the point. The Blazers would be able to roll out a very dangerous lineup, even in the loaded Western Conference.
Right now, the Blazers have a playoff series to play. They need to focus on the San Antonio Spurs and do anything and everything possible to make it a competitive series.
But once the offseason rolls around, barring a miraculous postseason run, there should be plenty of options on the table.
And with how poorly the Clippers’ Play-In game went on Wednesday night, it’s not crazy to think that Leonard could be one of those options.
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