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Kawhi Leonard Being Linked To Miami Heat

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Stephen A. Smith thinks that Clippers star Kawhi Leonard would be interested in joining the Miami Heat during the offseason

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers Guard Avery Bradley (11) during a NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)

Kawhi Leonard has been surrounded with speculation ever since going down with a knee injury in the NBA Playoffs.

According to reports, Kawhi was fed up with the Clippers and their medical staff for downplaying his injury (similar to the Spurs situation). Some even think that the whole ordeal might be enough for Kawhi Leonard to decline his player option this offseason.

After the Kawhi Leonard-less Clippers were eliminated by the Suns in the semifinals on Wednesday night, sports media members immediately speculated on what Leonard might do in the offseason.

At first, people were thinking that Kawhi might ditch the Clippers for the rival Lakers. But Stephen A. Smith has another team in mind. He thinks Kawhi Leonard might be taking his talents to South Beach.

I would see him going some place like Miami before I saw that happening,” Stephen A said on Sportscenter. “Obviously, he would want his money, and I don’t know how much money the Lakers have to give him. That’s number one. But again, when you look at Kawhi Leonard, there’s no questioning his greatness, there’s no questioning his talent, and if you’re going for a championship, he’s your guy. But if you’re talking about building long term and building a culture, I don’t know if he’s proven to be that guy because of his durability issues. It’s just that simple to me.”

The Miami Heat struggled to meet expectations this season after their unexpected run to the NBA Finals in 2020. But adding Kawhi Leonard to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would make them perennial contenders.

I could also see Kawhi getting along pretty good with the intense Butler more than other guys around the league.

First, Kawhi Leonard would need to turn down his $36 Million option with the Clippers. That would be a pretty gutsy move…

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