A report claims that the Golden State Warriors pursued Kawhi Leonard and offered the Los Angeles Clippers an enticing trade package.
The Dubs eliminated Leonard and the Clippers from the playoffs in one of the most thrilling comeback wins this postseason. However, that wasn't what Golden State had planned, as the team had hoped to acquire Leonard even before the Play-In tournament.
According to NBA insider and ESPN senior writer Ramona Shelburne, the Warriors are seemingly eager to maximize the remaining championship window of their veteran dynasty. She revealed that the Dubs quietly made a late push to acquire the two-time Finals MVP.
Shelburne noted that the Warriors front office initiated aggressive internal discussions and eventually made contact with the Clippers organisation. Golden State was prepared to move a significant haul of assets to entice their division rivals.
The trade proposal reportedly included a couple of draft assets and a combination of 'valuable' rotation pieces. Despite the substantial nature of the offer, the negotiations were reportedly short-lived.
Shelburn emphasized that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer immediately declined to discuss the trade any further. 'The Warriors had called about (Kawhi's) availability a handful of times over the years and been quickly rebuffed,' Shelburne wrote viaESPN.
'The Clippers hadn't given much oxygen to the Warriors' pursuit. But they hadn't given an outright rejection, either, and it gave the Warriors hope they might be able to hit one more big shot in an era defined by them. The Clippers brass brought the idea up top to Governor Steve Ballmer for discussion. By morning the Warriors had their answer. It was a no.'
As it stands, Leonard is now approaching the final year of his current contract with the Clippers. Following the devastating loss to the Warriors in Play-In, the media understandably quizzed Clippers head coach Ty Lue for updates on Leonard's future.
Admittedly, Lue still has no idea about what lies ahead. For now, Lue pointed out that the team would try to process their playoff exit and reflect on their shortcomings this season.
'I haven't had a chance to think about that after that tough loss. I love the group that we have,' Lue said, viaClippers reporter Farbod Esnaashari. '... Everything is just so fast this season, couldn't really stop and take time to implement what you want to implement.'
Source: International Business Times UK
