The Minnesota Timberwolves are searching for a star after their second-round playoff exit. While most eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo, he is not their only option, and Kawhi Leonard would be a dream fit with the Wolves. After trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac, the Los Angeles Clippers could feasibly trade Kawhi to lean into a new era this offseason.Â
During a recent appearance on The Third Apron Podcast, Clippers reporter Law Murray broke down several mock Kawhi trades with Yossi Gozlan. Murray viewed the Wolves' package of Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, the 28th pick, and a 2033 first-round pick as the most favorable of Gozlan's proposed Kawhi deals.Â
"The Timberwolves [trade] is probably the best of those… I’m sure Minnesota would love to pair McDaniels, who works out with Kawhi, with Anthony Edwards. That allows them to look at next season and say, ‘We can take another leap here.’ Whereas the Clippers would get the better players out of all those guys who you were saying could come back to the Clippers, it’s not the best draft capital, but it’s the best players," Murray said.
This isn't a definitive sign that a Kawhi trade is a likely outcome for Minnesota. Regardless, it's worth noting that one of the most dependable Clippers reporters indicated that LA could be intrigued by the possibility of a win-now package for Kawhi. And given the Wolves' need for a star, it's not far-fetched to believe they will firmly be in the mix for Kawhi if he's available.
The Timberwolves' ability to offer proven talent could help them land Kawhi Leonard
When looking at likely possible Kawhi suitors, whether it be the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, or Detroit Pistons, these teams would likely offer more of a pick-centric package. However, in terms of adding win-now talent, a possible package centered around Gobert and Randle could be the best that the Clippers get.
The Milwaukee Bucks are expected to prioritize younger trade packages when moving Giannis, which makes it difficult for the Wolves to land him. LA's priorities might be different, though, which could create a clear path for the Wolves to land Kawhi.
The Clippers don't possess their own first-round pick until 2030. This could set up one of two paths for them: LA could either prioritize winning to some extent or want to load up on as much draft capital as possible. Based on Murray's comments, the former seems more likely, which could be a game-changer for the Wolves if and when they pursue Kawhi.Â
Gobert and Randle, while flawed, are incredible floor raisers, which could greatly benefit the Clippers as they navigate entering a new era without much draft capital.
There's no denying that Kawhi would fit seamlessly alongside Anthony Edwards. Sure, he's not a traditional point guard, which is the most commonly linked position to the Wolves. Regardless, Kawhi is an elite three-level scorer and defender who would significantly lessen Edwards' offensive load while perfectly fitting into Minnesota's defensive culture.
There is some level of risk attached to trading for a soon-to-be 35-year-old with an injury history as immense as Kawhi's. This past season, though, Kawhi averaged a career-high 27.9 points, which should negate some of these concerns. Furthermore, playing alongside Ant and a talented all-around Wolves roster could help alleviate some of Kawhi's injury risks.
Without a doubt, it would be hard to find a more accomplished and better-fitting second option for Ant than Kawhi. Thankfully, the Wolves' ability to present a package with proven talent could work to their benefit if and when discussions heat up.Â
Add us as a preferred source on Google