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

[Galloisdaman]

KD is a huge get for any team. KD has actually shown a lot of respect for Gallo in the past.

In regards to Butler I know "the grass is often greener on the other side of the street" but hypothetically swap him in the lineup for Gallo this season. How much have you gained?

I agree with your point, I don't think we gain that much. Provided he is relatively healthy (which is a concern but has gone really well this year), Danilo is on a very good contract for us.

I think team construction has become a little too simplified the last few years with the idea that you slash your payroll to grab 2-3 superstars at any cost, then fill out the roster the best you can with whatever best fitting cheap parts you can find. I mean that can work if you are lucky enough to have 2 or 3 true superstars, but for 90% of the league that's not happening anyway.

So then you go back to the basics, assembling a starting lineup of complementary pieces to fill different needs, and assembling a bench as well that complements your starters. And always looking to improve fit or quality all the way down the roster, with an eye on good value contracts. It's easy to find lists of upcoming free agents, but that's not nearly the only way to improve- there are always opportunities, the Clippers have made so many positive value moves over the last couple of years that don't involve a big free agent signing. And who knows, our next big trade may involve trading for the 1 big piece, rather than trading away.

Right now we do not have even a single 'superstar', yet we are much better than average because of everything else. I am pretty certain the FO didn't build this roster this way, only to try to tear it down to clear up cap space for free agents. I'm not saying we shouldn't make moves, but right now the Laker FO is playing checkers while the Clipper FO is playing chess.

Keep an eye on Philly. 3 all-stars plus Tobias plus JJ. And absolutely nothing else. Can you win with half a team?

Me, I'm scared of 2 superstars if it means losing guys like Pat Bev. I guess Gallo would have to go too. Lou too? Plus Zubac is a RFA. Green has been OK too and he's an UFA. Do we throw away this gutsy crew just to afford one more name?

If those 2 names are Kawhi and Durant, I guess you do. Otherwise...

Durant is a game changer. So you do what you can to get him.

In regards to this season only (not the past or future) would the Clippers have a better record with KL than with Gallo and Lou?

[Galloisdaman]

I would love to see the Clippers sign either KL or KD, but I am hesitant at the idea of dumping good contracts to make room for a second max, I'd like to preserve as much of the current players and team culture as possible. If we had to trade Gallo and let Beverly and Zubac go just to make room for say Jimmy Butler, I don't want that. I don't mind if our upside is a bit less.

If we hypothetically added KD to this current team which is on pace for almost 50 wins, there's no way we're not a top contender in the West next year (especially since that means GSW loses KD.)

KD is a huge get for any team. KD has actually shown a lot of respect for Gallo in the past.

In regards to Butler I know "the grass is often greener on the other side of the street" but hypothetically swap him in the lineup for Gallo this season. How much have you gained?

I agree with your point, I don't think we gain that much. Provided he is relatively healthy (which is a concern but has gone really well this year), Danilo is on a very good contract for us.

I think team construction has become a little too simplified the last few years with the idea that you slash your payroll to grab 2-3 superstars at any cost, then fill out the roster the best you can with whatever best fitting cheap parts you can find. I mean that can work if you are lucky enough to have 2 or 3 true superstars, but for 90% of the league that's not happening anyway.

So then you go back to the basics, assembling a starting lineup of complementary pieces to fill different needs, and assembling a bench as well that complements your starters. And always looking to improve fit or quality all the way down the roster, with an eye on good value contracts. It's easy to find lists of upcoming free agents, but that's not nearly the only way to improve- there are always opportunities, the Clippers have made so many positive value moves over the last couple of years that don't involve a big free agent signing. And who knows, our next big trade may involve trading for the 1 big piece, rather than trading away.

Right now we do not have even a single 'superstar', yet we are much better than average because of everything else. I am pretty certain the FO didn't build this roster this way, only to try to tear it down to clear up cap space for free agents. I'm not saying we shouldn't make moves, but right now the Laker FO is playing checkers while the Clipper FO is playing chess.

Going back to the Butler hypothetical. Maybe I'm missing something but what makes Butler a superstar? I do not know that I would give him that label or a superstar contract.

[Yogatti]

so with toronto, Kawhi gets 190 million/5 years. With Clippers he gets 140 million/4 years.

He seems to be a hypochondriac with his sitting out so many games to avoid injury in contract year. Seems unlikely he will sign a 1 + 1 deal. Or would he?

[madmaxmedia]

I agree with your point, I don't think we gain that much. Provided he is relatively healthy (which is a concern but has gone really well this year), Danilo is on a very good contract for us.

I think team construction has become a little too simplified the last few years with the idea that you slash your payroll to grab 2-3 superstars at any cost, then fill out the roster the best you can with whatever best fitting cheap parts you can find. I mean that can work if you are lucky enough to have 2 or 3 true superstars, but for 90% of the league that's not happening anyway.

So then you go back to the basics, assembling a starting lineup of complementary pieces to fill different needs, and assembling a bench as well that complements your starters. And always looking to improve fit or quality all the way down the roster, with an eye on good value contracts. It's easy to find lists of upcoming free agents, but that's not nearly the only way to improve- there are always opportunities, the Clippers have made so many positive value moves over the last couple of years that don't involve a big free agent signing. And who knows, our next big trade may involve trading for the 1 big piece, rather than trading away.

Right now we do not have even a single 'superstar', yet we are much better than average because of everything else. I am pretty certain the FO didn't build this roster this way, only to try to tear it down to clear up cap space for free agents. I'm not saying we shouldn't make moves, but right now the Laker FO is playing checkers while the Clipper FO is playing chess.

Keep an eye on Philly. 3 all-stars plus Tobias plus JJ. And absolutely nothing else. Can you win with half a team?

Me, I'm scared of 2 superstars if it means losing guys like Pat Bev. I guess Gallo would have to go too. Lou too? Plus Zubac is a RFA. Green has been OK too and he's an UFA. Do we throw away this gutsy crew just to afford one more name?

If those 2 names are Kawhi and Durant, I guess you do. Otherwise...

Durant is a game changer. So you do what you can to get him.

In regards to this season only (not the past or future) would the Clippers have a better record with KL than with Gallo and Lou?

My sentimental first choice would be to only sign KD, and then re-sign guys like Beverly and Zubac. And maybe a couple of smaller tweaks to round things out.

If they had a chance to get BOTH KL and KD, that would be worth making the necessary moves to free up cap space or get a sign-and-trade done. But not for one of those guys, and then the other being Jimmy Butler or someone like that.

Gallo and Lou (especially Lou!!) are on very good contracts. I am honestly not sure what happens if you hypothetically traded them for KL before the start of the year. I mean I guess Lou could be a big trade asset in the offseason, but does anyone really want to see him go?

[Quake Griffin]

Out tonight for personal reasons.

[Clemenza]

I think we only need either Kawhi or KD.. not both unless both want to come then I'm happy. But Kawhi and a big would be the perfect sceniaro imo. SGA and Shamet are going to be a big part of the equation next season especially SGA who's really starting to blossom as of late. I still would want them to get their touches.

[Captain Ballmer]

I'm leaning towards to the Kawhi pitch rather than Durant to be the first guy to reach in 2019 summer free agency. I suspect if the Durant decides to leave GSW for Clippers is more related to put Lebron&Durant rivalry in Los Angeles into the headlines instead of actual winning basketball. After consider everything about Durant and his chaotic media relation, main concern is development of our younglings might take a step back while our 50/50 role player-leader quartet(Lou-Pat-Gallo-Trezz) lose their functionality. The brotherhood chemistry > whatever the difference between KD/KL.

I'd choose 65/82 Kawhi Leonard tbh right now.

[Ranma]

Watch on YouTube

[madmaxmedia]

What do you know, that was actually a good, well thought out conversation!

I agree with those guys that nobody really knows what Kawhi is thinking or wanting because he doesn’t talk about it or telegraph it. But I think he is the big FA we have the best chance of landing.

I think for that reason, he is the first guy we should call when FA season starts, and be willing to commit to him even if we don’t know yet what KD might or might not be thinking.

Now if it turns out that they get any smoke signals that KD is interested, that might change things. But until then, I am pretty happy committing to Kawhi. His 2 way game is that good, and he is younger as well. If we still have Danilo and Lou next year (and why wouldn’t we?), he might even be a better fit than KD.

[simon24]

With 8 games left in their season, Kawhi has played 54 games.

This is supposed to get better in LAC with a $150 million+ contract?

These UFA have so many personality issues. They are like the opposite of the current Clippers.

I would not touch Butler or Irving with a 10 foot pole.

KL and AD also seem to have some issues albeit less than Butler and Irving.

Kawhi is worth it. He's a legit franchise player who's inspired the Raptors team to ball as hard as possible even when he sits out. The team knows theyre a legit contender with Kawhi, not like the constant pretender days when DeRozan was their franchise face.

I wouldnt be surprised if Doc and the Logo convinces Kawhi to split the difference and play like 70 games to keep general wear and tear down if its Kawhi who's insisting on resting so much. If that's the case then its key to get a good backup SF who can star when Kawhi is on his "load management" program.

Kyrie and Butler are both pure cancer. Totally not worth signing them unless signing Kyrie GUARANTEES KD coming to town to join him. That's pretty much the ONLY situation where it justifies signing Kyrie and even then i still gotta think about it and want to try my damndest to convince KD that Kawhi is a MUCH better running mate.

I agree. I wouldn't mind Randle with Kawhi. He played with Zubac and Lou and I'm sure he's cool with SGA (Kentucky ties).

Hell no on Randle when you already got Montrelz Harrell. Unless Randle signs a 4 year 40 mil deal with a 4th year team option, even then he might not still be worth it. He's a fool's gold stat padder who doesnt play winning basketball.

Randle in LAC would be the 1st time he played for an organization with a championship winning HC and a franchise with stability and an identity. Randle's had to deal with the Kobe Farewell Tour and the tanking then being in and out the lineup with Nance and Kuzma. Then, AD wanting out. Meanwhile in LAC, no tanking and they're trying to win a championship.

[TrueLAfan]

Yeah, I’ve thought about Randle too. Tbh, in terms of rotations, he’s kinda exactly what we need if we got Kawhi—a PF that could play a bit of C if necessary and hits the boards. If Zubac and Trezz combine for 3500 minutes (that’s 46 mpg for 75 games), and Gallo and Kawhi combined for 4350 minutes (that's 67 mpg for 65 games), you’ve got plenty of time left—a bit a C, a bit more at SF, most at PF. Enter Randle.

And I think Randle has received a bit of a bad rap. He has been in bad positions—that Laker Kobe Retirement Tour team was the hottest, worst mess in the Universe. Randle has played his a$$ off in NOP, hasn’t complained, made friends with everyone. He’s durable—since his injured rookie season, he’s played at least 74 games and 2100 minutes every year. He’s on pace to do it again this year. He’s only 24 and still improving—he’s actually hits the three ball now. He’s a good distributor in the low post. I mean, there’s a lot there to like.

The obvious comparison to Randle is Zach Randolph. Same body type, same great offensive ability, same defensive questions. I actually think Randle is a bit better; he’s a bit less of a rebounder, but is much better at finding the open man and can step out with his better range. And Zach Randolph was the second or third best player on a Memphis team was very, very good for a while. A player like that can help a conference or title contender. IMO.

I worry about Randle's usage a bit—how will it affect him to get fewer touches? A Team with Kawhi and Lou and Gallo will cut down on that. But it should free up his game a bit, too—the Pelicans this year are a very poor three point shooting team. That extra range would help him playing alongside Trezz with the second unit.

Thing is, I’m not sold on us getting two max FAs. Like others have noted (and me too), we’ve got this good core. Wouldn’t it be smarter if we got lucky and got Kawhi Leonard to keep that core--resign Zubac and Bev for around $12-15 million, and maybe go after someone for about $10-15 million? Like Randle? Because I’m thinking a nine man rotation of

C—Zubac, Trezz
PF/SF—Kawhi, Gallo, Randle
SG—Shamet, Lou
PG—Bev, SGA

is pretty terrific. Maybe resign Temple and/or Chandler (if Chandler seems to continue to come around) fairly cheap, and we’ve got a great, deep rotation and lots of future picks and flexibility. Maybe I’m wrong. It just looks good to me

[Vae Victus]

Obviously, the Clippers first priority is to sign Kawhi outright and S&T KD for Gallo, assuming KD wants to come and GSW is desperate for some high end talent back, even if its only for one year.

If the Clips dont get both and just sign Kawhi, then the team has about 23-25m in cap space. Randle is gonna want ALL of that money, when he should be getting Lou Will/Harrell money. Lets just say the team brings back PatBev at around 8 mil, so there's 15-16m leftover. Again at that price tag, that's high end starter money, when the team already has Harrell off the bench as 1st big. Cant start Randle at the 5 (otherwise im sure hte Lakers woulda kept him) to play heavy mins and PF/SF both have better players playing big mins in Gallo/Kawhi.

Again unless Randle gets paid what he's truly worth, which i'd only give around 10-11mil per for multiple years and hoping he develops a defensive game and decent 3pt shot, thus getting excess value out of him. Paying him more than that imho isnt worthwhile. His lack of defense/size and blackhole mentality isnt good for a franchise like LAC that has better veteran and young talent that should be getting the shots over him.

Although it would be interesting if the Logo is able to auction off Harrell before he needs to get paid and locks in Randle on a 4 year 40mil (4th year player option) value deal. That'd be like 11th dimensional chess planning, get some nice assets for Harrell but his replacement ready to step into his place. I wonder if Harrell's trade value increases at the deadline like Tobias's did? Would be a coup to be running a roster like this

C - Zubac, Harrell
PF- Gallo, Randle (4y 44m), JaMychal Green for room MLE?
SF- Kawhi, JRobinson
SG- Shamet, Lou Will
PG- SGA, PatBev

Then pawn off Harrell at the deadline for a nice 18-22 range FRP from a team that needs a boost to get into or stay in the playoffs. Randle then gets a good chunk of backup C mins which he should be able to handle in a smallball era and Green moves to backup PF primarily while still getting some PT at SF. Then if the team wants to open up a max slot in 2020 FA trading Randle and PatBev on their new value deals should be easy, as well as being able to decline Lou Will's final year if he falls off a cliff.

[Ranma]

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[LakerClipperFan]

Lots of #Kawhi activity in the General NBA Forum where I'm not allowed to comment for another couple of weeks. Looks like Raptors fans are convinced that Toronto has made a good case to retain Kawhi. My opinion is that he will not stay put where Popovich sent him.

Also, wouldn't it be nice to come back to the West and by a thorn in Popovich's side? I don't think he wants to be out there in the ice and snow.

[Ranma]

Watch on YouTube

[simon24]

Yeah, I’ve thought about Randle too. Tbh, in terms of rotations, he’s kinda exactly what we need if we got Kawhi—a PF that could play a bit of C if necessary and hits the boards. If Zubac and Trezz combine for 3500 minutes (that’s 46 mpg for 75 games), and Gallo and Kawhi combined for 4350 minutes (that's 67 mpg for 65 games), you’ve got plenty of time left—a bit a C, a bit more at SF, most at PF. Enter Randle.

And I think Randle has received a bit of a bad rap. He has been in bad positions—that Laker Kobe Retirement Tour team was the hottest, worst mess in the Universe. Randle has played his a$$ off in NOP, hasn’t complained, made friends with everyone. He’s durable—since his injured rookie season, he’s played at least 74 games and 2100 minutes every year. He’s on pace to do it again this year. He’s only 24 and still improving—he’s actually hits the three ball now. He’s a good distributor in the low post. I mean, there’s a lot there to like.

The obvious comparison to Randle is Zach Randolph. Same body type, same great offensive ability, same defensive questions. I actually think Randle is a bit better; he’s a bit less of a rebounder, but is much better at finding the open man and can step out with his better range. And Zach Randolph was the second or third best player on a Memphis team was very, very good for a while. A player like that can help a conference or title contender. IMO.

I worry about Randle's usage a bit—how will it affect him to get fewer touches? A Team with Kawhi and Lou and Gallo will cut down on that. But it should free up his game a bit, too—the Pelicans this year are a very poor three point shooting team. That extra range would help him playing alongside Trezz with the second unit.

Thing is, I’m not sold on us getting two max FAs. Like others have noted (and me too), we’ve got this good core. Wouldn’t it be smarter if we got lucky and got Kawhi Leonard to keep that core--resign Zubac and Bev for around $12-15 million, and maybe go after someone for about $10-15 million? Like Randle? Because I’m thinking a nine man rotation of

C—Zubac, Trezz
PF/SF—Kawhi, Gallo, Randle
SG—Shamet, Lou
PG—Bev, SGA

is pretty terrific. Maybe resign Temple and/or Chandler (if Chandler seems to continue to come around) fairly cheap, and we’ve got a great, deep rotation and lots of future picks and flexibility. Maybe I’m wrong. It just looks good to me

If Randles comes LAC, Gallo would have to go. With Randle's numbers this year, I could imagine he's a 20+ mil a year guy. Aaron Gordon got 4 years 84 mil and his contract year stats weren't as good as Randle's.

I can't see Randle in LAC though. I don't think they'd move Gallo to replace him with another non-superstar PF. I'm sure FO would keep Gallo and fleece another team by the deadline.

I question if it would be room for Beverley to stay. You got to start SGA and Shamet alongside Kawhi. Would he want to take a paycut and resign to come off the bench when a team like Chicago could pay him starter money to come and change their culture.

[Quake Griffin]

Ric Bucher saying Jeanie Buss’s big fish is Kawhi Leonard.

I see the Lakers putting the spin out there and trying to put pressure on Kawhi.

[TrueLAfan]

If Randles comes LAC, Gallo would have to go. With Randle's numbers this year, I could imagine he's a 20+ mil a year guy. Aaron Gordon got 4 years 84 mil and his contract year stats weren't as good as Randle's.

I can't see Randle in LAC though. I don't think they'd move Gallo to replace him with another non-superstar PF. I'm sure FO would keep Gallo and fleece another team by the deadline.

I question if it would be room for Beverley to stay. You got to start SGA and Shamet alongside Kawhi. Would he want to take a paycut and resign to come off the bench when a team like Chicago could pay him starter money to come and change their culture.

I‘m not sure. There are the top tier of FAs—KD, Kawhi, Kyrie—and a couple of 1A guys like Butler and Thompson. Maybe Tobias … but I’d put him Tier 2 with Walker, Vucevic, Russell, and Middleton. Randle is somewhere between the bottom of that group and the next group with Boogie, Brogdon, Mirotic, and—maybe—Bobby Portis. I figure Randle is somewhere around the #9-14 guy in free agency. And I don’t know if a guy like that is going to get $20 million. His raw numbers are great and I think the perception is that he’s a good locker room guy. But I still think a deal that starts around $13-17 million could get him. Keep in mind that a 4 year deal that starts at $16 million is a 4 year/$69 million deal. That’s basically Bledsoe money and I think that’s about where I’d place Randle in terms of value.

Shai played 82 games and over 2150 minutes. Lou played 75 games with over 25 mpg. Bradley and Shamet combined for about 75 games and 2100 minutes. In other words, we had lots of minutes taken up at the guard position and almost no injuries. And Bev seemed totally content with his playing time and role—so even if he came off the bench more or even most of the time, I don't know if that would be a problem if he got his 25-29 mpg.

[Clemenza]

Ric Bucher saying Jeanie Buss’s big fish is Kawhi Leonard.

I see the Lakers putting the spin out there and trying to put pressure on Kawhi.

Kawhi is not going to the Lakers. They're a freaking mess!

[Vae Victus]

The best FA i see the Lakers signing is Jimmy Butler who PHI is scared of maxxing out due to age and ego/chemistry issues or maxxed out Kemba Walker, who LeGM will agree with and consider him his new Kyrie Irving.

No chance in hell a premier top flight FA like Kawhi or KD is gonna waste their time in LAL and whatever glory they gain is mostly stolen by LeCancer.