Kawhi Leonard has shocked the world by choosing the Clippers. But he’s not coming alone. Paul George is on his way to raise hell in LA.
Kawhi Leonard’s decision was the topic of discussion around the NBA world for the past couple of days. But, boy, Kawhi shook up the league with his move. He is set to sign a four year 142 million dollar deal with the LA Clippers.
Clippers win! (photo, ClutchPoints)
This was not the biggest surprise, though. It’s what the Clippers front office did.
The organization mortgaged their future to win now with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Kawhi’s camp demanded that the Clippers get Paul George from the Thunder. And they did just that by sending SGA, Danilo Gallinari, and a massive package of future first-round picks.
The news, in my opinion, has the Clippers as the favorite to not only win the West but the entire league.
The NBA has changed radically changed based on one man’s decision. And the league is now open for anyone to take Toronto’s crown.
Other teams in contention for Kawhi were the Lakers and Toronto. Where would Kahwi land? Many sources said the Lakers were the frontrunners. Others thought that the Raptors were front runners. But, in the end, no one knew what was going on.
In the end, the Clippers landed not one, but two, All-Stars. And those signings have single-handedly changed the landscape of the NBA. Balance is in the league–something that league needed badly.
The Western Conference is up in the air. The Clippers are at the top, and the Lakers come in at two. For the rest of the West, well, it’s really wide open. You can’t count out the Warriors just yet, and the Utah Jazz made big moves in free agency. The Rockets are retaining most of last year’s roster. It will make for a fun and competitive season!
George and Kawhi together! (photo, Forbes)
For the Clippers, the fit of Kawhi and Paul George will be amazing–not only for the defense but for the offense, too. Doc Rivers will be working with Pat Bev, who signed a 3-year deal worth $40 million, and Landry Shamet, Lou Williams, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Montrez Harrell.
That lineup will be deadly. On defense, you have arguably three of the top ten defenders in the NBA with PG 13, the Klaw, and one of the all-time pests in Bev. On offense, the Clippers will now have three closers–Kawhi, PG and, Lou Williams–all of whom have that killer gene to win and close out games.
The Clippers have done it! The organization waited patiently for the right time to go all-in for free agents. Yes, they traded most of their future picks and a bright star in SGA, but the moves could bring a title to the Clippers.
It’s sweet, too. LAC captured a player that the Lakers really wanted. That, in itself, is a victory.
