The NBA’s investigation into LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard’s alleged salary cap circumvention is still ongoing.
News broke about Leonard’s endorsement contract with the now-defunct Aspiration in September. According to NBA insider Pablo Torre, the Clippers star had a “no-show” marketing deal meant to provide additional payments beyond the salary cap limit.
In Monday’s interview on “Yahoo Sports Daily,” league insider Tom Haberstroh laid out the NBA’s potential punishments for the Clippers.
“Maybe it’s a case where Adam Silver levies some sort of punishment,” Haberstroh said. “Whether it’s forcing Kawhi Leonard’s contract to be invalidated, and I think that would be one of the things that is on the table.”
Leonard is in the second season of his three-year, $149.5 million contract. Should his contract be voided, the two-time NBA Finals MVP would suddenly become a free agent. Here are five teams that could pursue Leonard.
#1 LA Lakers
According to NBA insider Tom Haberstroh, one of the potential suitors for Leonard is the LA Lakers. While the Lakers are limited in cap space this season, the Clippers star could sign a veteran minimum contract to help form a superteam. Leonard could then renegotiate his contract in the offseason when the Lakers have enough cap space.
#2 Golden State Warriors
Like the Lakers, the Golden State Warriors could only sign Leonard to a veteran minimum contract. However, the seven-time All-Star could be persuaded by the opportunity to contend for a championship alongside Steph Curry. The Warriors are desperate to maximize the 37-year-old Curry’s remaining playing years and would likely make a push to acquire Leonard.
#3 New York Knicks
Haberstroh said the New York Knicks are another team that could be interested in Leonard. Signing with the Knicks could also be attractive to the two-time NBA champion as they have been among the top teams in the wide-open Eastern Conference. A starting five led by Leonard and Jalen Brunson could make New York the favorites to come out of the East.
#4 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo at the deadline. Minnesota could still be seeking another superstar and Leonard should be on its radar. The 34-year-old star could join a core that has been to back-to-back Western Conference finals. Leonard could bring the Timberwolves over the hump.
#5 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat would certainly join the Leonard sweepstakes, given their history of being linked to several superstars. While the Heat’s current roster is not as competitive as that of other potential suitors, Miami could be Leonard’s long-term team.
In conclusion, if the NBA invalidates Kawhi Leonard’s contract with the LA Clippers, there are several teams that could pursue the two-time NBA Finals MVP. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and where Leonard will ultimately end up.
