Dark horse: Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
In what could be a dark horse target for the Indiana Pacers, Kawhi Leonard is an interesting name to watch heading into the NBA Trade Deadline. It's clear that the LA Clippers probably need to make a move before the NBA Trade Deadline if they want to right the ship. Deep down, they can't believe it's going to work. Something has to change. Could they be open to completely altering their roster by trading Kawhi?
I don't think it's entirely out of the question. Kawhi could opt out of the final year of his contract with the Clippers and test free agency this summer. If the Clippers get the indication that Kawhi is going to explore leaving, perhaps they get proactive at the trade deadline. If there's one team that could build an intriguing package that the Clippers may not be willing to decline, it's the Pacers.
Indiana could build a package around Buddy Hield, Aaron Nesmith, salary fillers, and 2-3 first-round picks for Kawhi. If the Pacers wanted to go all-in on the ultimate difference-making wing, Kawhi would be the way to go. The question is, would the Clippers be willing to play ball?