NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Suggested Kevin Durant Join Him With Clippers Before KD Picked Nets

A little over 24 hours before the official start of NBA free agency, ESPN reported that Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant discussed joining the same team, grabbing the entire league’s attention. The superstars ultimately chose not to team up with Durant going to the Brooklyn Nets, but the details of those talks might give some insight into Leonard’s impending decision.

According to Ramona Shelburne, it was Leonard that reached out to Durant, inquiring about the All-Star’s desire to play with him in a Los Angeles Clippers’ uniform. Brian Windhorst and Kendrick Perkins confirmed on Wednesday’s edition of “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” that the two stars discussed teaming up on the Clippers.

The Clippers are still in pursuit of Leonard, along with the L.A. Lakers and Toronto Raptors.

The Nets, Clippers and New York Knicks all entered free agency with the ability to sign two max free agents. With Kyrie Irving set on playing in Brooklyn, the Nets weren’t an option for both Durant and Leonard. While Leonard had thoughts of playing with Durant for the Clippers, the former Golden State Warriors’ star would only seriously consider doing so for the Knicks, according to Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher.

According to multiple reports, Durant and Irving have long planned to team up. Perhaps Durant still would have gone to Brooklyn with the point guard if Leonard has his eyes on Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks were set to meet with Leonard this week, according to multiple reports, but they instead decided to pursue other free agents since it was clear New York had little chance to land the 2019 NBA Finals MVP.

For most of the regular season, the Clippers were considered the favorites to acquire Leonard this summer. The Lakers and Raptors have just as much of a chance to sign Leonard, if not more, after all three teams met with the two-time Defensive Player of the Year this week.

Leonard’s call to Durant could suggest that he has serious interest in going to the Clippers, but only if the team has another All-Star on the roster. There has been increased buzz that Leonard might sign with the Lakers since the team traded for Anthony Davis. The Raptors don’t have a second star, though Pascal Siakam looks like a future All-Star and Leonard already knows he can win a championship with Toronto’s roster.

The Clippers have a nice team. They won 48 games last season and even took the Warriors to six games in the first round of the playoffs.

Adding Leonard to the current Clippers’ roster, however, wouldn’t make them the prohibitive favorites to reach the 2020 NBA Finals. The Lakers and Raptors would both have the best odds to win their respective conferences with Leonard on board.