Jason Burgos
A Golden State Warriors insider believes a specific star forward should be a top target for the team this summer. However, it is not Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
After seeming like a dark horse to reach the NBA Finals a year ago, a hamstring injury to Stephen Curry derailed those hopes. However, they entered this campaign with big aspirations after a summer of chemistry building with Jimmy Butler. However, Butler tore his ACL in January, just when the team finally got on a roll.
It once again sent their title hopes down the toilet. Yet, the team did make a bold pivot to try to salvage those plans by trading for Antetokounmpo in February. Obviously, they did not achieve that goal. But they are expected to target him again this summer.
However, San Francisco Standard Warriors columnist Tim Kawakami believes there is a more sensible option. Instead of giving up a boatload of draft and player assets for the 10-time All-Star, Kawakami thinks Golden State should target Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.
The Case for Warriors to target Kawhi Leonard this summer
Interestingly enough, they would not land Leonard in a trade, even though there have been rumors that he could be available. Instead, Kawakami wants to see the Warriors sign the seven-time All-Star in free agency. That could be a possibility because rumors continue to swirl that the NBA will soon void his Clippers contract over the questionable practices LA used to sign him a few years ago.
The Warriors insider detailed a two-pronged plan to add the 34-year-old, who is having a pretty good season. First, the team would need to get under the first salary tax threshold. He notes that the team has six players signed for next season, including Butler and Moses Moody, who won’t be available until the second half of the season.
In the summer, they should “try to sign both Draymond Green (to replace his $27.7 million player option) and Kristaps Porzingis to moderate two-year deals, maybe both around two years, $40 million.” That would get the franchise to “about $184 million in total commitments for eight players.” Then add $6 million for the player they get in Round 1 of the NBA Draft — that pick would likely be around 11. Taking them to $194 million, which is $11 million under the tax threshold.
The second part of the plan would be trying to convince Leonard to join the team on a $15 million nontaxpayer mid-level exception. He admits that it is not a guarantee, but it is the best option to add a high-impact player to a team with championship potential when fully healthy.
It is a plan that would need a little luck, but the Warriors roster and having a stud prospect from the lottery might appeal to Leonard if he wants to stay in California and pursue another championship. Furthermore, popular NBA expert Bill Simmons recently offered up several reasons why an Antetokounmpo trade would be a bad idea for the Warriors.
