NBA trade proposal sends Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard to Heat

File this under interesting, even if it’s just hypothetical. But hey, nothing wrong with a little fun.

Anyway, ESPN’s Andre Snellings floated a trade idea that would send Kawhi Leonard from the Clippers to the Heat.

Here’s how it looks:

Heat receive: Leonard, Kris Dunn
Clippers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Tyler Herro, 2030 unprotected first-round pick, 2032 unprotected first-round pick

Leonard has one year left on his deal at $50.3 million. Around the NBA, there’s some belief the Clippers could explore moving him as they reassess things this summer.

From Miami’s side, the fit is easy to see.

Leonard alongside Bam Adebayo would give the Heat a legitimate two-way foundation. That’s been their identity for years.

“Leonard would be the centerpiece of a Heat team that could help lead Miami back to the success of the Jimmy Butler years,” Snellings wrote. “Leonard is a two-way superstar whose style of play fits into the culture of the Heat.”

That part checks out on paper. The question is cost.

Miami would be giving up Herro, Wiggins and two future firsts. That’s real value, especially for a player entering the final year of his contract.

Then there’s the bigger picture. Heat president Pat Riley didn’t hide his mindset at season’s end.

“I’m really pissed,” Riley said. “I’m disappointed. Disgruntled… We are always going to try to win.”

So yeah, expect Miami to be aggressive. Leonard is one name. Giannis Antetokounmpo is another that’s been floated.

Whether the Clippers actually move Leonard is still unclear. But this is the kind of deal that gives you an idea of what it might take.

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