DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Could Kawhi Leonard be on his way out of Los Angles?
According to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, The Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat will make a "hard push" to sign the two-time Finals MVP this offseason.
"The Mavericks and Heat plan to make a hard push to acquire Leonard, league sources say. The Knicks will also pursue any superstar that becomes available, and a long list of other suitors would at least make an attempt if he hits the market."
Listen to Dallas sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Mavericks team gear
We know, Mavs fans. We know.
Team owner Mark Cuban has been pipe dreaming for years and years about bringing a star to the organization, only to come up empty-handed time and time again (see: Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, etc).
Let's face it. The likelihood of Leonard coming to Dallas should be viewed as a long-shot at best. However, there are other factors to consider this time around. Dallas has one of the best players in the NBA in Luka Doncic, and a new coach in Jason Kidd, who is widely respected in the league.
Listen to Detroit sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Pistons team gear
"Dallas is considered by some executives to be the most serious threat to land Kawhi because of Luka Doncic’s presence and the front office’s ability to create maximum cap space or work out a sign-and-trade."
That leads us to the new man in charge of basketball operations, Nico Harrison. The former Nike executive has already been praised by several people in the NBA community after accepting the job, and that could play a part in getting Leonard to say yes to the Mavericks.
"During Leonard’s years with Nike, he also developed a good relationship with Nico Harrison, the Mavs’ new general manager and a former longtime executive at the company."
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram