While there was some speculation recently that Kawhi Leonard will consider leaving Los Angeles when he is a free agent this offseason, such a move would be unlikely. Leonard is “widely” expected to re-sign with the Clippers this offseason, per The Athletic.
Miami was one of the teams floated recently as a possible non-Clippers threat to steal Leonard away this summer. The Heat would surely like to add the former Finals MVP, though the franchise, like many around the NBA, remains realistic in its pursuit.
Losing, especially early in the playoffs, could shift the dynamics of the situation. Leonard recently expressed some concerns publicly about the Clippers’ lack of consistency.
“It’s very concerning,” Leonard said after a mid-March loss to the Pelicans (via ESPN). “[If] we want to have a chance at anything, you gotta be consistent. You know, that’s what the great teams do, they’re consistent. They have their nights when, you know, the energy’s not there. But it’s all about consistency, from teams to players to coaches. That’s what makes a team great, players great, coaches great. A consistency of being, wanting to win, and doing pretty much the same habits of winning.”
Los Angeles has since made some moves, including the Rajon Rondo–Lou Williams swap. The team also agreed to sign DeMarcus Cousins to a 1o-day deal.
The Clippers are 34-18 on the season, currently good for third in the Western Conference.
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