Clippers rumors: Kawhi Leonard likely doesn't sign with Los Angeles without the team trading for Paul George

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Clippers wouldn't be able to land Kawhi Leonard had they failed to acquire Paul George from the Thunder.

The Los Angeles Clippers pulled off a huge upset against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors in the race to sign Kawhi Leonard.

The Clippers were considered as the least-possible destination for Leonard, but the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player jumped in when they acquired Paul George in a blockbuster deal.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, it was unlikely for Leonard to join the Clippers had they missed out on acquiring George from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Clips were actually expecting Leonard to pick the Lakers, which forced them to make the huge trade with the Thunder.

Leonard, per Woj, was reportedly not too interested in forming a super team with the Lakers, who already have LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The 28-year-old superstar reportedly made it clear to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank that he will sign if they find a way to get George.

In the end, Kawhi Leonard didn't want to construct a Super Team with the Lakers. He wanted a co-star across the Staples corridor with the Clippers, and made it clear to Steve Ballmer and Lawrence Frank: Get PG, and I'm coming.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019

The Clippers succeeded in their quiet pursuit of Paul George, who requested a trade from the Thunder after talking to Leonard. The oft-called “other” Los Angeles team sent four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick, two pick swaps, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari to OKC for George.