The Board Man Cometh!! Kawhi Leonard Signs 3 Year (2+1), $103 Million Deal

[Vae Victus]

Raps fan here. Coming in peace.

Was just wondering with you guys having enough for 2 max players who do you think the other player the clippers are going to go after as target number 1 is to pair with Kawhi?

Also what is the perfect offseason scenario for you fans as far as how they use picks and cap space?

Thanks

I'd try to go for KD.

Trade Gallo for pure cap space, i figure the 2020 PHI FRP will do the trick and more than enough cap is opened up.

However, i'd also try to go for AD. I think the Clips got the assets to pull it off. Use Gallo as salary ballast and trade him to a 3rd team trying to compete (call up his boy Mitch Kupchak to screw over their old employers) for assets, and the trade everything needed for AD. SGA, Robinson, and all the picks including whatever they get from CHA.

Have enough cap for a 3rd superstar. Maybe KD is willing to take a small discount? Kyrie at PG would be lethal and screws over BOS from going after AD aggressively. I'm not too excited for the rest of the crop which is basically Boogie, Klay, Butler.

[madmaxmedia]

I just hope that Kawhi considering the Clippers is not predicated on necessarily signing a 2nd big max FA like KD or whoever, because that's where it can all fall apart just as quick as it starts, and Clippers are suddenly under the gun to try to dump salary, etc.

If hypothetically Kawhi signs on the first day of FA, then I'm confident our FO will maximize whatever other opportunities there are to improve our team. That could involve trading for AD, clearing cap space for another big FA, or even keeping Gallo/Beverly/Zubac and acquiring some other complementary piece(s) to go with what we already have. Obviously signing say KD would be a no brainer, but I would be just as happy to see the last option where we try to build on the guys that have got us to this point (whether that's enough to get Kawhi is another question.)

The whole 'clearing the decks' for AD/KD/etc. and signing a bunch of ring chasers isn't as satisfying to me as gradually building a winner.

[Ranma]

There's something unsettlingly ironic about an advertisement proclaiming that its featured spokesman doesn't need our attention while engaging in publicity for a player who was reportedly not satisfied with the recognition he already had.

Read on Twitter

[Ranma]

Watch on YouTube

[Galloisdaman]

I just hope that Kawhi considering the Clippers is not predicated on necessarily signing a 2nd big max FA like KD or whoever, because that's where it can all fall apart just as quick as it starts, and Clippers are suddenly under the gun to try to dump salary, etc.

If hypothetically Kawhi signs on the first day of FA, then I'm confident our FO will maximize whatever other opportunities there are to improve our team. That could involve trading for AD, clearing cap space for another big FA, or even keeping Gallo/Beverly/Zubac and acquiring some other complementary piece(s) to go with what we already have. Obviously signing say KD would be a no brainer, but I would be just as happy to see the last option where we try to build on the guys that have got us to this point (whether that's enough to get Kawhi is another question.)

The whole 'clearing the decks' for AD/KD/etc. and signing a bunch of ring chasers isn't as satisfying to me as gradually building a winner.

Some quick thoughts.

1. KD is the best player available.
2. AD fits the biggest need.
3. All 3 (including KL) have acted like divas at times.
4. IF KL leaves the Raps after all they gave to get him and left the Spurs who says he wont leave the Clips?
5. Kyrie is great offensively but disinterested defensively. Melo like at times.
6. Not that it matters but KD has spoken very highly of Gallo a couple of times in the past.

[esqtvd]

I just hope that Kawhi considering the Clippers is not predicated on necessarily signing a 2nd big max FA like KD or whoever, because that's where it can all fall apart just as quick as it starts, and Clippers are suddenly under the gun to try to dump salary, etc.

If hypothetically Kawhi signs on the first day of FA, then I'm confident our FO will maximize whatever other opportunities there are to improve our team. That could involve trading for AD, clearing cap space for another big FA, or even keeping Gallo/Beverly/Zubac and acquiring some other complementary piece(s) to go with what we already have. Obviously signing say KD would be a no brainer, but I would be just as happy to see the last option where we try to build on the guys that have got us to this point (whether that's enough to get Kawhi is another question.)

The whole 'clearing the decks' for AD/KD/etc. and signing a bunch of ring chasers isn't as satisfying to me as gradually building a winner.

Some quick thoughts.

1. KD is the best player available.
2. AD fits the biggest need.
3. All 3 (including KL) have acted like divas at times.
4. IF KL leaves the Raps after all they gave to get him and left the Spurs who says he wont leave the Clips?
5. Kyrie is great offensively but disinterested defensively. Melo like at times.
6. Not that it matters but KD has spoken very highly of Gallo a couple of times in the past.

KD is the best bet. There's nothing he can't do on a basketball court. KL's game is more dependent on athleticism [and good health] and I'm not convinced AD equals winning.

Hm.

Kevin Durant And Kyrie Irving Are Hardcore Flirting During All-Star Weekend

https://thebiglead.com/2019/02/17/kevin-durant-and-kyrie-irving-hardcore-flirting-knicks/

The article says "Knicks" but it could just as easily be the Clippers.

[Galloisdaman]

I just hope that Kawhi considering the Clippers is not predicated on necessarily signing a 2nd big max FA like KD or whoever, because that's where it can all fall apart just as quick as it starts, and Clippers are suddenly under the gun to try to dump salary, etc.

If hypothetically Kawhi signs on the first day of FA, then I'm confident our FO will maximize whatever other opportunities there are to improve our team. That could involve trading for AD, clearing cap space for another big FA, or even keeping Gallo/Beverly/Zubac and acquiring some other complementary piece(s) to go with what we already have. Obviously signing say KD would be a no brainer, but I would be just as happy to see the last option where we try to build on the guys that have got us to this point (whether that's enough to get Kawhi is another question.)

The whole 'clearing the decks' for AD/KD/etc. and signing a bunch of ring chasers isn't as satisfying to me as gradually building a winner.

Some quick thoughts.

1. KD is the best player available.
2. AD fits the biggest need.
3. All 3 (including KL) have acted like divas at times.
4. IF KL leaves the Raps after all they gave to get him and left the Spurs who says he wont leave the Clips?
5. Kyrie is great offensively but disinterested defensively. Melo like at times.
6. Not that it matters but KD has spoken very highly of Gallo a couple of times in the past.

KD is the best bet. There's nothing he can't do on a basketball court. KL's game is more dependent on athleticism [and good health] and I'm not convinced AD equals winning.

Hm.

Kevin Durant And Kyrie Irving Are Hardcore Flirting During All-Star Weekend

https://thebiglead.com/2019/02/17/kevin-durant-and-kyrie-irving-hardcore-flirting-knicks/

The article says "Knicks" but it could just as easily be the Clippers.

KD is so good that he can get underrated at times. I just do not get why he would leave a team like GS. Reports said he wanted to go to a team that would be built around him for his legacy (instead of a super team like GS or with Lebron) but nothing about that meshes with signing with 2 more superstar players. I was surprised he left OKC so what do I know lol.

KL is great but something about his attitude makes me leary. On that note I would not touch a long term Butler contract at all.

[madmaxmedia]

I agree with you guys KD is the best available FA. I would be happy to get just 1 of either KD or Kawhi, I assume it’s be a multi-year contract so I’m not worried about them leaving.

AD is of course as good as anyone available, but would cost the team a lot in a trade. I think the absolute best case scenario would be to sign KD and KL, trading Gallo to free up space to do so, and keeping Zubac and Beverly.

[esqtvd]

KD is so good that he can get underrated at times. I just do not get why he would leave a team like GS. Reports said he wanted to go to a team that would be built around him for his legacy (instead of a super team like GS or with Lebron) but nothing about that meshes with signing with 2 more superstar players. I was surprised he left OKC so what do I know lol.

KL is great but something about his attitude makes me leary. On that note I would not touch a long term Butler contract at all.

Yah, it doesn't mean he's a bad person but KL is weird and you can't get leadership from an superintroverted weirdo. You need a lot from your max contract guys. Numbers aren't enough.

I'm not afraid of Butler; I love his fire and competitiveness--and his defense--I just think he's needs an alpha dog, like CP needs The Beard. The Bulls and the Wolves were just dogs, and frankly I think the Sixers--Simmons, Embiid and now Harris--are just a little too passive [passive-aggressive in Simmons' case?]. They don't lead and don't seem to want to be led, and I say this as a Sixers fan.

But Butler can't lead either. And neither did Chris, IMO. So without a top dog, Butler's not the answer here.



And yes, KD is underrated. I'm not a huge fan but there's no denying his greatness. And he does seem to be coming out of a shell lately as a person, and may be ready to take on becoming alpha dog on his own team.

GSW will always be Steph's team. The Clippers would be Durant's. No disrespect to CP and BG, but the day KD put on a Clippers uniform, he'd become the best Clipper player of all time. The man can do it all. And I'm not certain he's even achieved his peak on the court yet.

[Galloisdaman]

KD is so good that he can get underrated at times. I just do not get why he would leave a team like GS. Reports said he wanted to go to a team that would be built around him for his legacy (instead of a super team like GS or with Lebron) but nothing about that meshes with signing with 2 more superstar players. I was surprised he left OKC so what do I know lol.

KL is great but something about his attitude makes me leary. On that note I would not touch a long term Butler contract at all.

Yah, it doesn't mean he's a bad person but KL is weird and you can't get leadership from an superintroverted weirdo. You need a lot from your max contract guys. Numbers aren't enough.

I'm not afraid of Butler; I love his fire and competitiveness--and his defense--I just think he's needs an alpha dog, like CP needs The Beard. The Bulls and the Wolves were just dogs, and frankly I think the Sixers--Simmons, Embiid and now Harris--are just a little too passive [passive-aggressive in Simmons' case?]. They don't lead and don't seem to want to be led, and I say this as a Sixers fan.

But Butler can't lead either. And neither did Chris, IMO. So without a top dog, Butler's not the answer here.



And yes, KD is underrated. I'm not a huge fan but there's no denying his greatness. And he does seem to be coming out of a shell lately as a person, and may be ready to take on becoming alpha dog on his own team.

GSW will always be Steph's team. The Clippers would be Durant's. No disrespect to CP and BG, but the day KD put on a Clippers uniform, he'd become the best Clipper player of all time. The man can do it all. And I'm not certain he's even achieved his peak on the court yet.

KD is great but moving from Steph to AD and KL would not help him be his own man at all. He would be trading up to a even bigger superteam.

[esqtvd]

KD is so good that he can get underrated at times. I just do not get why he would leave a team like GS. Reports said he wanted to go to a team that would be built around him for his legacy (instead of a super team like GS or with Lebron) but nothing about that meshes with signing with 2 more superstar players. I was surprised he left OKC so what do I know lol.

KL is great but something about his attitude makes me leary. On that note I would not touch a long term Butler contract at all.

Yah, it doesn't mean he's a bad person but KL is weird and you can't get leadership from an superintroverted weirdo. You need a lot from your max contract guys. Numbers aren't enough.

I'm not afraid of Butler; I love his fire and competitiveness--and his defense--I just think he's needs an alpha dog, like CP needs The Beard. The Bulls and the Wolves were just dogs, and frankly I think the Sixers--Simmons, Embiid and now Harris--are just a little too passive [passive-aggressive in Simmons' case?]. They don't lead and don't seem to want to be led, and I say this as a Sixers fan.

But Butler can't lead either. And neither did Chris, IMO. So without a top dog, Butler's not the answer here.



And yes, KD is underrated. I'm not a huge fan but there's no denying his greatness. And he does seem to be coming out of a shell lately as a person, and may be ready to take on becoming alpha dog on his own team.

GSW will always be Steph's team. The Clippers would be Durant's. No disrespect to CP and BG, but the day KD put on a Clippers uniform, he'd become the best Clipper player of all time. The man can do it all. And I'm not certain he's even achieved his peak on the court yet.

KD is great but moving from Steph to AD and KL would not help him be his own man at all. He would be trading up to a even bigger superteam.

--Although LeBron joined up with Dwyane Wade, the Heat's championship was deep in the rear-view mirror, back in '06. He joined a 47-win club. That edition of the Heat was LeBron's team, not Wade's.

--And the Cavs were a 33-win team when Bron rejoined them and took that skeleton of a team to a title.

--Steph--and the Dubs--had already won a ring when KD joined up with them--a team that had just set the record with 73 wins. Not his team, never will be. And I'm with Stephen A that it was one of the weakest moves in sports history. I bet that still stings.


Joining KL here with a clean slate would not be like his jump to GSW, and KD would be the #1 here--KL would be the #1a. Or AD would be, both in talent and the fact that he's never won squat on his own. [And in my opinion, KL may have been MVP, but the Spurs were Tim Duncan's team. Period.]

He's gonna need some help to get anywhere and will have to share some of the glory, but the Clippers would be KD's team, at least more than anyone else's.

[Galloisdaman]

Yah, it doesn't mean he's a bad person but KL is weird and you can't get leadership from an superintroverted weirdo. You need a lot from your max contract guys. Numbers aren't enough.

I'm not afraid of Butler; I love his fire and competitiveness--and his defense--I just think he's needs an alpha dog, like CP needs The Beard. The Bulls and the Wolves were just dogs, and frankly I think the Sixers--Simmons, Embiid and now Harris--are just a little too passive [passive-aggressive in Simmons' case?]. They don't lead and don't seem to want to be led, and I say this as a Sixers fan.

But Butler can't lead either. And neither did Chris, IMO. So without a top dog, Butler's not the answer here.



And yes, KD is underrated. I'm not a huge fan but there's no denying his greatness. And he does seem to be coming out of a shell lately as a person, and may be ready to take on becoming alpha dog on his own team.

GSW will always be Steph's team. The Clippers would be Durant's. No disrespect to CP and BG, but the day KD put on a Clippers uniform, he'd become the best Clipper player of all time. The man can do it all. And I'm not certain he's even achieved his peak on the court yet.

KD is great but moving from Steph to AD and KL would not help him be his own man at all. He would be trading up to a even bigger superteam.

--Although LeBron joined up with Dwyane Wade, the Heat's championship was deep in the rear-view mirror, back in '06. He joined a 47-win club. That edition of the Heat was LeBron's team, not Wade's.

--And the Cavs were a 33-win team when Bron rejoined them and took that skeleton of a team to a title.

--Steph--and the Dubs--had already won a ring when KD joined up with them--a team that had just set the record with 73 wins. Not his team, never will be. And I'm with Stephen A that it was one of the weakest moves in sports history. I bet that still stings.


Joining KL here with a clean slate would not be like his jump to GSW, and KD would be the #1 here--KL would be the #1a. Or AD would be, both in talent and the fact that he's never won squat on his own. [And in my opinion, KL may have been MVP, but the Spurs were Tim Duncan's team. Period.]

He's gonna need some help to get anywhere and will have to share some of the glory, but the Clippers would be KD's team, at least more than anyone else's.

I think if KD and AD both came at the same time it would be looked at as both their teams equally (or pretty close).
It just does not make sense to me but only time will tell. I actually think as good as KD is that AD might be the best get for the Clippers if possible (and he doesn't act like a diva)

[esqtvd]

KD is great but moving from Steph to AD and KL would not help him be his own man at all. He would be trading up to a even bigger superteam.

--Although LeBron joined up with Dwyane Wade, the Heat's championship was deep in the rear-view mirror, back in '06. He joined a 47-win club. That edition of the Heat was LeBron's team, not Wade's.

--And the Cavs were a 33-win team when Bron rejoined them and took that skeleton of a team to a title.

--Steph--and the Dubs--had already won a ring when KD joined up with them--a team that had just set the record with 73 wins. Not his team, never will be. And I'm with Stephen A that it was one of the weakest moves in sports history. I bet that still stings.


Joining KL here with a clean slate would not be like his jump to GSW, and KD would be the #1 here--KL would be the #1a. Or AD would be, both in talent and the fact that he's never won squat on his own. [And in my opinion, KL may have been MVP, but the Spurs were Tim Duncan's team. Period.]

He's gonna need some help to get anywhere and will have to share some of the glory, but the Clippers would be KD's team, at least more than anyone else's.

I think if KD and AD both came at the same time it would be looked at as both their teams equally (or pretty close).
It just does not make sense to me but only time will tell. I actually think as good as KD is that AD might be the best get for the Clippers if possible (and he doesn't act like a diva)

I'm fine with AD but there's the trade problem. The Lakers offered most of the booty they got for years of tanking and Ainge is gonna give up some of his ill-gotten gains from fleecing Billy King. Even if we could compete, I dunno if we want to. [I don't.]

Plus AD ≠ wins as far as I can see. Just not my alpha dog. As our #1a, sure, but I think there's more than one out there who could fill the role--even Butler, who you don't have to give up assets for.


IMO, Steph and LeBron have the lion's shares of KD and Kyrie's rings. I hope there's something to that article. KD + KI makes sense for us, and for them. That might make KI a Scottie Pippin, but that's a lot better than being Chris Bosh or Kevin Love.

[madmaxmedia]

If KD were to sign first here, and that is followed up with other signings or trades, I think that sets a tone as KD being the lead guy.

[esqtvd]

If KD were to sign first here, and that is followed up with other signings or trades, I think that sets a tone as KD being the lead guy.

plant your flag, eh?
there's something to that


if KD had joined CP, it would have been under CP's flag
just like CP is under The Beard's flag now


although I still think Miami was under Bron's flag
I think he planted his flag on what was left of the Heat
then roped Bosh in

it's interesting because if it were the other way around,
even if KL signed first, his personality is not the type that you'd credit for putting the team together

KD would be the one planting his flag on KL and the Clips

[MartinToVaught]

Real talk: it would be Kawhi's team. Born and raised in LA. Finals MVP and playoff beast without having to join a 73-win team to do it. Durant would be the most talented player on the team, but Kawhi would be the heart and soul of the team.

[esqtvd]

our guest of honor tonight
KD = All-Star MVP

another one
the guy is just sick

he did this in his sleep
against the NBA's best

31 pts
6-9 from distance
7 rebs
2 blk

and a steal



but if he wants a legacy, he needs to plant his own flag somewhere
GSW is not it


and I still don't think he's peaked on the basketball court
I've never been a fan
but it would be great to see him really test himself

put a team on his back
namely us

then I'd become a fan right quick LOL

[Quake Griffin]

It’s not close to me.

If we only sign KD, we can compete with anybody.
If we only sign Kawhi, we need another piece IMO.

All of these guys are high maintenance. I truly wonder if any of them have the character to carry our organization to gold.

[QRich3]

Ugh I don't even care how much it improves out team or whatever, I'd have a really hard time having to root for Durant.

Anyway, regardless of personal preferences, neither guy is gonna put us over the hump, even getting both Leonard and Durant we'd only be outside contenders. The way I see it, if we only get Kawhi, we can still be a team that prioritises development and long term building, just with a great piece to build around meanwhile. If we get Durant, there'll probably be more pressure to turn his legacy around and whatnot, which means more pressure to trade future picks for win now pieces, and likely still falling short.

I'm ok with adding Leonard, but let Durant go to NY to try to clean his reputation. Not here.

[TheNewEra]

Real talk: it would be Kawhi's team. Born and raised in LA. Finals MVP and playoff beast without having to join a 73-win team to do it. Durant would be the most talented player on the team, but Kawhi would be the heart and soul of the team.

Yeah I’m all in for Kawhi everything else is a bonus.