Grade The Trade: Rockets Acquire Kawhi Leonard In A Huge Proposed Scenario
Kawhi Leonard would transform the Houston Rockets in this mock trade scenario leading to a rebuild on the Clippers.
The Houston Rockets are a team on the rise, finishing with a 42-40 record last season and earning the dubious honor of having the most wins for an 11th seed in NBA history.
The young core of the team is ascendant, but there’s no clear difference-making leader on the squad yet.
The Clippers are fighting a losing battle in the Kawhi Leonard era, hoping to stay competitive this season despite losing Paul George.
Instead of trying to build around an aging Kawhi, it might be time for the Clippers to consider trading Leonard for an ascending star and more assets to enable a rebuild without needing to tank.
Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Kawhi Leonard, Kobe Brown
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, 2025 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2027 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX)
The Clippers could find a way to remain competitive with this versatile group of players coming back, headlined by Jalen Green. The Rockets get the ultimate win-now wing to complete their roster as a group meant for contention next season.
The Rockets Return To Winning Ways
One of the underrated facts about the NBA is that the Rockets had the most wins of any franchise in the 2010s but have no rings to show for it.
They’re towards the bottom of that list for the 2020s, unable to break into the Playoff mix since breaking up their title core in 2020. With a win-now coach like Ime Udoka, Kawhi might be the perfect win-now wing for the franchise.
Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season, being named to an All-NBA team while showing that he can be consistent and durable.
That lasted until the last month of the season when Leonard’s kneed ended up giving out as he missed four out of six Playoff games. But the Rockets are uniquely equipped to handle Leonard’s load management.
