The Sign Or The Trade
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2019 6:22 am
We all know the Clippers got Kawhi Leonard, we know what he does. But they were faced with a major challenge, one that could have tipped the scales in the Laker's favor. In fact, they already did by three simple facts:
1. Clipper's losing history
2. The Laker brand and its importance in NBA
3. No superstars, just role players
Leonard chose the Clippers for plenty of reasons, but I think the selling point was their silent culture, winning with just role players, and learning the lessons of humility after having their superstars taken away as punishment for not taking competition seriously when Paul and Griffin were in town. But even that counted against them, for Leonard saw a team unfit for competition the way they are currently constructed. Without a superstar, their chances at another playoff were slim to none, and with all the superstar free agents already picked up, the only way they could secure Leonard was to trade for one. Since the Clippers had no backup plan of their own, Leonard gave them a helping hand: "Trade for Paul George and I'll join you."
Of the two transactions they made in free agency, which one was of the most importance, the one that brought them back into relevance, signing Kawhi Leonard or trading for Paul George?
1. Clipper's losing history
2. The Laker brand and its importance in NBA
3. No superstars, just role players
Leonard chose the Clippers for plenty of reasons, but I think the selling point was their silent culture, winning with just role players, and learning the lessons of humility after having their superstars taken away as punishment for not taking competition seriously when Paul and Griffin were in town. But even that counted against them, for Leonard saw a team unfit for competition the way they are currently constructed. Without a superstar, their chances at another playoff were slim to none, and with all the superstar free agents already picked up, the only way they could secure Leonard was to trade for one. Since the Clippers had no backup plan of their own, Leonard gave them a helping hand: "Trade for Paul George and I'll join you."
Of the two transactions they made in free agency, which one was of the most importance, the one that brought them back into relevance, signing Kawhi Leonard or trading for Paul George?