In the world of professional basketball, the pursuit of a championship is a never-ending quest for many players and teams. One such player who has been at the center of this quest is Kawhi Leonard. The 15-year veteran has been linked to several teams as he looks to join a contender before his career winds down. However, as the saying goes, "all it takes is one team willing to roll the dice." Leonard's list of preferred destinations includes the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers. However, as the Durant and George trades have shown, a team can still make a move even if a player's heart isn't fully in it. The Clippers, Nuggets, Raptors, Heat, and Spurs are all teams that could make a compelling case for Leonard, even if he doesn't know it yet. The LA Clippers, for example, could offer Marcus Morris Sr., Lou Williams, and multiple picks while also waiving all cap holds except for Ivica Zubac to create cap space. With Leonard being better than Morris in every conceivable way and giving Patrick Beverley a high-efficiency scorer and secondary playmaker to relieve pressure, this would be a smart move for both parties. The Denver Nuggets could offer Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Hunter Tyson, and a 2031 first to the Phoenix Suns, Zeke Nnaji to a third team. This deal guts the bench but the upside is undeniable. KD, Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun could overwhelm anyone. This would be the chance to play next to a prime Jokić, which would be the most intelligent, unselfish and balanced team Leonard has joined since the San Antonio Spurs. The Toronto Raptors could offer OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and multiple picks. With Masai Ujiri under intense pressure to improve the team before his contract expires next year, this would be a bold move that could pay off in the long run. In conclusion, while Leonard may not want any of these teams on paper, history shows that sometimes the gamble ends in a parade. All it takes is one team willing to roll the dice and ignore the list. The Suns may not owe Leonard anything, but they are in a unique position to make a move that could change the course of their franchise's history.
