Crafting a hypothetical NBA trade in March presents significant challenges.
We are a full month past the trade deadline. The eventual champion remains unknown. It’s difficult to ascertain each team’s financial situation precisely when the new league year begins. Furthermore, for the specific deal we’re about to explore, the outcome (if any) of the league’s inquiry into alleged cap circumvention on Kawhi Leonard’s contract is yet to be determined.
All these factors contribute to the complexity of a potential trade, so we’ll make some assumptions before delving into the prospective move that could send Kawhi Leonard to the Detroit Pistons.
Firstly, let’s presume neither the Pistons nor the Los Angeles Clippers secure the championship in June (an assumption more plausible for one team than the other). Secondly, imagine Detroit is prepared to relinquish its cap holds for Tobias Harris and Kevin Huerter this summer, and successfully signs Jalen Duren to a sensible new contract. Lastly, we’ll assume the $50.3 million currently due to Kawhi remains an obligation and is eligible for trade by July.
Under that very specific set of circumstances, the addition of Leonard alongside Duren and Cade Cunningham would instantaneously transform the league landscape.