This NBA free agency was wild and the Los Angeles Clippers were at the top of the list as far as moves and signing superstars went. Not only did they win the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes, but they also traded for Paul George to acquire one of the most deadliest one-two punches in the league.
But as reports now claim, PG13 was not their first option to pair with The Klaw:
As the Clippers surveyed the NBA scene, it wasn’t yet clear whom they could pair with the 2019 Finals MVP. They analyzed and studied every roster and star player in the league, attempting to find out who would best fit alongside Leonard, both on the hardwood and from a personality standpoint.
The Clippers inquired about Washington’s Bradley Beal and Houston’s James Harden, according to league sources, but neither star was available.
Last week, it was reported that Leonard turned down the opportunity of playing Russell Westbrook for George, after being turned down by Kevin Durant.
It is also being said that Magic Johnson ruined the Los Angeles Lakers chances of landing Kawhi, especially after he talked about his meeting with him and Uncle Dennis. There was no way he trusted the organization after that.
It all came down to trust for Kawhi — the kind a team demonstrates with actions rather than words.
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— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 23, 2019
Plus, there is some talk around the league about what Uncle Dennis asked from the Lakers and Toronto Raptors, especially since some of them were “unreasonable.” According to Stephen A. Smith, executives are wondering what the Clippers had to do to sign Kawhi, since Dennis was asking for sponsorships, houses and other amenities, which are illegal according to the current CBA.
It’ll be interesting to find out the real truth of what happened this offseason.
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