This archive report was first published on 6 July 2019.
Published on July 6, 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers made a stunning move by acquiring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in a trade that sent shockwaves throughout the NBA.
According to sources, the Clippers parted with a treasure trove of draft assets, including multiple first-round picks, as well as two quality players, to secure the services of the two All-Stars. The cost was high, but the Clippers felt it was necessary to ensure that Leonard chose them over the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors.
Leonard, a Southern California native, had made it clear to the Clippers that he would only sign with the team if he was joined by a proven All-Star sidekick. The Clippers found a way to unite them, with George growing up in the Antelope Valley, north of Los Angeles, and Leonard hailing from the Riverside area, east of Los Angeles.
The trade was a stinging outcome for the Toronto Raptors, who had acquired Leonard last season in a deal that sent DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl to the San Antonio Spurs. Despite his success with the Raptors, Leonard chose to leave the newly crowned champions, becoming the first N.B.A. finals MVP to do so.
Leonard's decision was a testament to his status as the league's foremost two-way force. He cemented his reputation by winning N.B.A. finals MVP honors with the Raptors, leading them to a six-game triumph over the Golden State Warriors.
