The Golden State Warriors reportedly attempted to acquire veteran superstars before the NBA’s trade deadline on Feb. 5.
Golden State reportedly pushed for Giannis Antetokounmpo and also showed interest in Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard.
Warriors’ Near Miss with Leonard
The Warriors were reportedly close to landing Kawhi Leonard. According to a report, the Warriors and Clippers had generally agreed to deal terms before the Clippers ultimately decided to pull out of the talks.
Multiple league sources indicated the Warriors were reasonably close to trading for Kawhi Leonard last February.
Warriors’ Future Plans
Sources say that the Warriors will continue to pursue big names to complete a starting lineup. The lineup would also include Steph Curry, Draymond, Jimmy Butler, and maybe Kristaps Porziņģis.
Leonard could be a viable option for the Warriors this offseason. He could arrive through a trade with the Clippers, or, if his contract were to be voided due to a possible league punishment from the ongoing salary-cap circumvention investigation, in unrestricted free agency.
Leonard’s Performance This Season
The 34-year-old forward is averaging a career-high 28.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He has played 60 games with the Clippers this season, shooting 50.3 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3-point range.
With a healthy Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, and potentially Porziņģis, Leonard would elevate an impressive veteran lineup.
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