NBA exec: Kawhi Leonard may be better trade target than Giannis

Kawhi Leonard is not getting the same attention as Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. At least one executive thinks he should.

While Giannis dominates the early trade chatter, an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps that Leonard may actually be the more appealing target right now.

“Everyone ignores that Kawhi has been better and healthier over the last two seasons,” the exec said. “If you had a chance to acquire one or the other, I might go Kawhi.”

That is not a small statement. Leonard is coming off a strong season, averaging 28 points on 51 percent shooting while appearing in 65 games. Normally, that would make an extension a no-brainer.

It is not that simple. His injury history still hangs over everything, and the Clippers have a decision to make with one year and about $50 million remaining on his deal.

The expectation around the combine is that Los Angeles keeps him for now. What comes next is less clear. Some believe the Clippers should wait.

“I would just play it out and not extend him,” a Western Conference scout said. “He clearly wants to be in Los Angeles, so I wouldn’t be in a rush.”

Others are open to an extension, as long as the terms make sense.

There are outside factors, too. The Clippers remain under league investigation, though one executive dismissed any idea of Leonard’s contract being voided.

“There’s no way,” the GM said. “That would be a reward.”

One more wrinkle. Los Angeles now holds a top-five pick from Indiana, adding another asset to consider. All of it leaves the Clippers in an interesting spot.

Kawhi may not be the loudest name this summer. He is still very much part of the conversation.