Sir Charles in Charge
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Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard: Who would you rather (sign)?

By Martin Burnyeat

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder tries to block Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Center on October 28, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder tries to block Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Center on October 28, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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Kawhi Leonard

Don’t let one of the most bizarre storylines from last season fool you – Kawhi can still play and is still one of the top players in the league. He’s reported to “look remarkable” in his summer workouts this offseason, primed and ready to play his first game with the Toronto Raptors, and the signs of his mysterious quadricep injury that limited him to only nine games last season appear to have subsided.

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So considering a fit and healthy Kawhi Leonard in free agency, how does he compare with Durant?

Firstly, let’s look at the age gap – in 2019, Kawhi will be 28 years old and in the midst of his prime, which means the Lakers have a few more years to maximise his most productive seasons in LA. They would have the luxury of competing in the Lebron era as well as potentially having Kawhi for a while after Lebron’s retirement (or other departure).

Durant will be turning 31 in 2019, and while age is just a number with expectations (that players today constantly defy – see: Carter, Vince), there is just too much value in taking three more years of peak Kawhi productivity over Durant who will be in the eve of his twilight years.

Contrary to his draft reports, Kawhi’s offensive improvement has been a revelation for his development becoming one of the best two-way players in the league. His last full season (2016-2017) was one of his best offensive seasons, averaging careers highs in points (25.5) and assists (3.8), with a 121 offensive rating and 8.9 offensive win shares (Ranked 6th in the NBA). Although his offensive talent is not at the level of Durant, his productivity on that side of the ball is at least comparable.

With that said, one of the main differences is on the defensive end and Kawhi is clearly the better option for the Lakers. His two-time Defensive Player of the Year and 4-time All-Defensive Team accolades showcase his talents as an elite defender, a sought-after role in LA especially since LeBron’s defense has been trending downwards for the past two seasons.

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