NBA Trade Rumors: Kawhi Leonards Future Uncertain as Clippers and 76ers Battle for Star Forward, 76ers Narrow Coach Search to Brett Brown and Mike DAntoni
As the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics continue to captivate fans and analysts alike, the league is still abuzz with several other stories that have captured the attention of the basketball world. One of the biggest rumors surrounding the NBA is the potential trade of Kawhi Leonard to a new team. According to sources close to the situation, the list of teams close to making a deal has been reduced to two: the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. The Toronto Raptors are reportedly submitting final offers to these two teams, which appears to eliminate the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs as previous candidates to land Leonard. Despite initial interest from as many as six teams, including the Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets, one of those clubs could still get back into the Leonard sweepstakes as a wild card looking to make an impactful addition. If the Los Angeles Clippers are indeed the team closest to a deal, it is unlikely to involve Patrick Beverley or Lou Williams, both of whom are considered "off limits" by reports from multiple sources. The 30-year-old forward is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $25.2 million, and his future remains uncertain as the Finals continue. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have also narrowed down their search for a new head coach to two candidates: Brett Brown, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Mike D'Antoni, fired by the Houston Rockets shortly before this season's NBA playoffs. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey reports that formal interviews have been scheduled with both candidates for next week. Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, has a record of 454-304 in his career, while D'Antoni has a 250-214 record as head coach after six seasons as an assistant with the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns. The 76ers initially pursued Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle and Steve Nash of the Brooklyn Nets, only to be denied permission to interview both of them. They also inquired about Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce, but were refused by that team as well. However, there is some belief that the 76ers could take another run at one of their previous targets if they fail to land Leonard. Finally, there is less likelihood of a trade for Joel Embiid with the Philadelphia 76ers. According to sources close to the situation, Embiid is currently expected to remain with the 76ers when next season begins. General manager Elton Brand and head coach Doc Rivers have presented team ownership with plans based on building the roster around the two-time NBA All-Star. The 76ers are believed to be capable of competing for one of the top four playoff berths in the East, especially if they can find a way to improve their bench depth and defense. However, those ambitions might require Philadelphia to go over the luxury tax, which could be a difficult decision for ownership to make. Embiid could formally request a trade if no plan for a successful future appears to be in place, but the 76ers reportedly don't want to trade him unless he actually asks to be dealt.
