via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 20: L.A. Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard celebrates donation of One Million backpacks from Baby2Baby, Kawhi Leonard and the L.A. Clippers to students across Los Angeles at 107th Street Elementary on August 20, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 20: L.A. Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard celebrates donation of One Million backpacks from Baby2Baby, Kawhi Leonard and the L.A. Clippers to students across Los Angeles at 107th Street Elementary on August 20, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)
Every off-season brings with it the news of at least one major trade. This time around, it has to be Chris Paul and his purported exit from the Thunder. After the Phoenix Suns showed their interest in the veteran guard, the Clippers have also made their next move.
While many franchises are just beating around the bush, the LA-based organization has proven just how serious they are. The latest update claims that their small forward, Kawhi Leonard, has gone out of his way to reach out to CP3.
LA Clippers want Chris Paul back in the squad
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As per a report from Ryen Russillo, “The Clippers definitely interested in Chris Paul.”
He added, “The math doesn’t really make any sense and Paul has basically told any of the teams that are interested in trading for him, ‘hey, I don’t want you trading your player for me. I want to just come and join you’.”
The 10-time NBA All-star is promised $41,358,814 in 2020-21. Moreover, he also has a player option worth $44,211,146 for 2021-22. It will be very difficult for the LA Clippers to make cap space for him. But if they’re very much eager to have him on-board, there are options where they can give up Landry Shamet and Patrick Beverley in trade.
The Clippers also have Montrezl Harrell, Marcus Morris, and JaMychal Green approaching their free agencies. Hence, they can work their way out if CP3 shows his interest.
Kawhi Leonard is silently working on getting this deal done
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Kawhi Leonard has reached out to Chris Paul and is actively recruiting him to the Clippers, per @ryenarussillo pic.twitter.com/xbOPulVucx
— Top Ball Coverage (@TopBallCoverage) November 11, 2020
The Claw is not known for being in the public eye outside of the basketball court. He is a performer, but at the same time, a private person. But the news is out that he’s getting his hands dirty for this deal.
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Ryen pointed out, “Here’s something that did surprise me because it just feels like Kawhi is this distant, mythological creature that doesn’t talk with anybody. Apparently, Kawhi reached out to Chris Paul immediately and was like, ‘hey, you should come here.’ So that part is real, the pursuit is real, the interest and the math on it from Paul’s standpoint doesn’t seem to be all that realistic.”
The 4-time NBA Assists champion and 6-times NBA Steals champion can bring in elite defense, shot creation, and solid leadership into the Clippers’ side. In his last stint with the franchise, Chris averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 boards, 9.8 assists, and 2.2 steals. With his presence along with coach Tyronn Lue, Kawhi and PG can again push for an NBA title.
