NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson Linked To Clippers, But LA Could Strike Out

The Los Angeles Clippers have had designs of adding one or even two max free agents this summer. L.A. continues to be linked to the biggest names on the market, but they are no longer the favorites for any of the top stars.
The Clippers continue to be a realistic landing spot for Kawhi Leonard. They were long considered the favorites to sign the two-time NBA Finals MVP. The Toronto Raptors might now have a slightly better chance to keep their best player.
Kevin Durant continues to be linked to the Clippers. He’s reportedly deciding between the Clippers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Los Angeles easily has the least amount of buzz among those options, and it might really be a three-team race.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported at one point during the season that the Clippers felt they had a real shot to sign both Durant and Leonard.
Where will Kawhi Leonard play Game 1 of the 2019-2020 season?
— Jon Campbell (@JonnyOddsShark) June 27, 2019
Raptors -200
Clippers 140
Lakers 900
Knicks 1800
Nets 2200
Sixers 3300
There are people around the NBA who think the Clippers have a real shot at Kevin Durant (even if the people inside the Clippers aren’t so sure) https://t.co/OmoNgROkg9
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 27, 2019
Woj on #Warriors' free agent Klay Thompson - "That 5-year, $190 million max offer.. If it's not there for Klay Thompson on Sunday at 6:01PM Eastern... My information is that he would be very open to going to sit down with the #Clippers." pic.twitter.com/ymW8TFJqz4
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) June 25, 2019
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski created some buzz Tuesday when he said Klay Thompson could end up with the Clippers if the Warriors don’t offer him a five-year max contract by the time free agency officially begins Sunday night. The defending Western Conference champs, however, are expected to pay the shooting guard the most money possible.
Los Angeles has a little over $49 million in salary committed for next season. They could make a trade to open up a second max salary slot.
Leonard remains very much in play for the Clippers. If he goes to Los Angeles’ second team, he might also attract a second-tier free agent.
Al Horford has been speculated as a potential option for the Clippers. The Philadelphia 76ers can probably keep Jimmy Butler by offering him a five-year max contract, though a recent SNY report indicates that the four-time All-Star has interest in playing alongside Leonard.
Tobias Harris might fit on the Clippers if the 76ers let him walk. Los Angeles traded Harris to Philadelphia shortly before February’s deadline.
Patrick Beverley is the best free agent that played for the Clippers last season. He could possibly return to the team, which won 48 games this past year.
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