I don't know if anyone else here agrees, but at this point, Kawhi Leonard comes off as a total snake-like, reptilian creature to me. Like, far, far above and beyond a prima donna superstar. More than that-- a guy who evidently really did dog it for the Spurs, and bargained in bad faith on multiple occasions, Toronto being the latest example.
Obviously that's based on a history of various news events and a number of different analyses and insider news to come out, some of it just recently. In any case, a huge portion of the plausible doubt in play has been erased for me at this point, leaving a pretty clear, consistent picture: i.e., this guy's a complete snake. Zero honor, zero accountabilty, and so forth. Totally ruthless, and even kind of pathetic in a sense, leaning so heavily on an uncle who sounds like a pure nightmare to deal with right from draft day.
Also, he has what...? A 2+1 contract at this point? (Eheh, and what are the odds exactly that he opts in for the final year?) So basically, the Clips sent off a massive load of picks and talent in order to make him happy enough to play for them for the next two years. Meanwhile, who knows HOW many games they'll actually get out of Mssr. CLAW, with his chronic neuropathy and whatever else a bruising style of play leads to? Not to mention, PG's in a little bit of a sketchy place too, playing with two surgically-repaired shoulders. Amirite...?
Now sure, this here equation could certainly lead to everlasting glory in the next two years, making it all worthwhile. No real arguments needed when it comes to a CHIP. OTOH, with the injury and re-injury potential, it could also legit turn in to a complete disaster, setting the Clips back years and years, given all those resources traded (or "squandered," even). Solace for the Billy Kings of the world, even.
IMO the Lakers aren't too dissimilar either, given LeBron's age and the possibility for AD to walk this summer. Indeed, LA as an NBA town might possibly be walking a tightrope right here. In other words, this all could potentially turn out ugly... like -real- ugly, for the "City of Angels."
In conclusion-- I wasn't the biggest fan of the Kyrie / Durant / Jordan signings, but I'm thrilled and relieved that the Nets continue to hold on to their assets, allowing us a prety quick pivot if things don't work out the way we hoped. All hail Sean Marks.