USA Today via Reuters
Jun 4, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) react after a Leonard shot during the fourth quarter during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 4, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) react after a Leonard shot during the fourth quarter during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The 2020-21 season is tailing to its end and the league will soon be moving into free agency. LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard is topping the list of free agents this time. Initially, his player option seemed like a sorted decision until Dallas Mavericks made its appearance.
Kawhi Leonard is sitting on top of a $36 million player option for the 2021-22 season. Considering the number of times Kawhi has hopped through teams, many expected him to continue his contract in LA for stability. However, Mavericks has a good reason to make him opt out of the deal.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 24, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after scoring a basket against the San Antonio Spurs the first quarter at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks are eyeing a Kawhi-Luka potential duo
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Mavericks is eyeing the possibility of creating a future duo with Kawhi Leonard and Luka Doncic. As much exciting as that sounds, one concern hovers over this deal. The Clippers star faced a major injury against the Utah Jazz in the playoffs. He underwent surgery for a partially torn ACL and now his return for the next summer is stated questionable.
Well, according to league sources, “Dallas, just to name one expected suitor, will not be dissuaded from pursuing Leonard even if he’s forced to miss all of next season.” Even though Dallas is on the move to make a sacrifice, this may place them at the forefront of Kawhi’s options. More importantly, the powerhouse duo – Leonard and Doncic will be a fan’s delight.
READ MORE: Will Kawhi Leonard Bounce Back From His ACL Injury Like Kevin Durant Did in the 2020-21 Season?
USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots as LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) defends during the first quarter in game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kawhi Leonard has a decision to make during the upcoming free agency season
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The Mavericks’ staunch grasp over Kawhi’s free agency sounds familiar to Kevin Durant’s deal with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. Durant sat out for an entire season due to an injury. Eventually, he was the biggest advantage on the Brooklyn roster.
Jason Kidd recently signed as the head coach of Mavericks and changes are inevitable at the moment. If Kawhi chooses to switch teams one more time, he’ll be looking to win the ring this time with Luka Doncic on his side. The potential duo could send waves across the league with their brimming talent combined together.
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Dallas front office will be pouring in all they can to make this happen. However, will Kawhi Leonard be wearing a Mavericks jersey next season? Let us know in the comments.
WATCH THIS STORY: Luka Doncic and All Other NBA Players Competing for a Gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games
