Subscribe
Follow Us
The LA Clippers pulled out all the stops to bring in prized free agent Kawhi Leonard. They succeeded, getting the reigning Finals MVP to buy into their vision as he heads to an all-important phase in his career.
According to a special insider report by The Athletic, LA had a masterful pitch for Leonard in place:
The Clippers pitched Leonard on multiple points, including the way the franchise had conducted its business over the past two years; Ballmer’s competitiveness and willingness to spend any amount necessary to win; Rivers’ coaching; the humble nature of the organization’s power players; their player services and player-centric environment; the benefit of being understated in Los Angeles; the front office’s shrewd decision-making and long-term plan; and the new arena the team plans to have built in Inglewood.
These are the types of questions Leonard and his inner circle asked, sources told The Athletic’s Shams Charania: What does the future look like to you? What does my future with your organization look like? How will your franchise shape the next phase of my career?
Leonard was very deliberate in his approach to free agency, and he didn't care if everybody waited for him. He took his precious time and weighed his options.
The Clippers, led by Steve Ballmer, have created an amazing culture within the organization. They added Lawrence Frank and living legend Jerry West to their front office. After the end of the Lob City era, when everybody thought they'd tear the roster down, they continued to stay competitive. They created an image around the league as a top-notch organization.
Leonard, however, apparently expressed that he prioritized winning more than anything. The Clippers didn't have that championship-caliber roster entering free agency. Leonard's two other top choices — the Lakers and Raptors — had a better cast to surround the two-way superstar.
But the Clippers weren't done. They pulled off the shocker of the summer by acquiring Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder, which sealed the deal for Kawhi Leonard.
