The Golden State Warriors will be one of the teams most interested in acquiring Kawhi Leonard this season, and they may already have a trade package in mind. Jimmy Butler’s massive contract will likely be needed to match a player like Leonard. The Los Angeles Clippers could value Butler due to his contract only having one season left to clear up space faster.
Fadeaway World reported the following trade package is most likely:
“Golden State Warriors Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jimmy Butler, Will Richard, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick swap
The picks are the real selling point because Butler is older, more expensive, and not the cleaner long-term asset. That is why this would be a bold Warriors swing, not an easy Clippers yes. But if the Warriors want one last real title shot around Curry, this is the type of aggressive gamble that at least makes sense on the numbers and on the floor.”
Leonard is the only player that Golden State would get, but they’d be able to save a lot of other assets for team depth or to acquire another star. Will Richard and draft compensation would be the selling point for the Clippers to get some talent for the future.
Should Golden State Trade Jimmy Butler?
The heartbreaking torn ACL injury for Butler ruined his season and killed any chance of Golden State contending for an NBA Championship this year. Butler is expected to miss a couple of months next season in a best-case scenario.
The Warriors trading Butler is the only way to dramatically improve the roster next season. Butler’s $56 million salary is too much money to waste on the injured list and is the only contract expensive enough to land most of the All-Star caliber players on the market.
Golden State must decide between being loyal to an injured player or trading him to improve Stephen Curry’s chances of contending for another title. Leonard is not coming to the Warriors unless they include Butler’s expiring deal. Risks would be involved for Golden State since Kawhi has a long history of injuries as well and is at an older age.
Why Clippers Would Accept This Deal
Roster flexibility is the most important thing for the Clippers moving forward. Los Angeles traded away both James Harden and Ivica Zubac this season to give up on the dreams of contending for an NBA Championship with Leonard leading the current roster.
It has become clear that the Clippers are looking to rebuild around recently acquired younger players Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin. Kawhi remained on the team this season as the leader after a bounce back season of incredible play. However, the Clippers will likely look to sell Leonard at his best value in many seasons.
Two draft picks, a young new player, and Butler’s expiring contract give them some assets to improve the rebuilding timeline. The Clippers could even try to keep Butler in a similar role to Kawhi if he returns and plays well for them in the second half of next season.
Warriors Realistic Trade Package For Kawhi Leonard Revealed