Warriors made late push for Kawhi Leonard before trade deadline, per report originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Golden State Warriors landed Kristaps Porzingis before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but they reportedly made a late push for a different superstar. 

According to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein, the franchise attempted to acquire Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard but ultimately came up short.

“The Warriors made what has been described as a determined trade run at the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard in the final hour before the Feb. 5 trade buzzer sounded under the belief that Leonard might be unexpectedly unavailable after LA agreed to ship Ivica Zubac to Indiana,” Stein wrote Sunday.

“The Clippers ultimately balked then, but it is reasonable to presume that Golden State will investigate that possibility once again.”

While Leonard is on the older side, there’s no question he would have been an ideal fit in the Warriors’ high-octane, three-point-heavy offense. 

The San Diego State product has always been an above-average long-range shooter, evidenced by his 39.1% career three-point shooting percentage. Whether thriving in catch-and-shoot or off-the-dribble scenarios, Leonard finds a way to positively impact games from beyond the arc.

Combine Leonard’s high-level perimeter shooting with his impeccable defensive instincts and physical tools, and the Warriors would have received a two-way stud who’s won two championships in his career. 

It wasn’t meant to be this season, but as Stein mentioned, the Dubs could circle back to Leonard once the summer arrives.

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