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Kayden McDonald goes to Vikings at pick No. 18 in SB Nation’s community mock draft Kayden McDonald, DL, THE. . .dramatic pause. . .Ohio State UniversityYes, pretty much every mock draft in America has the Vikings linked to a safety in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the defensive line, in my opinion, is a much greater need with the release of Jon Allen and Javon Hargrave earlier in the offseason.Right now, the Vikings’ defensive line is relying on a lot of young players. Jalen Redmond took a big step forward last season and will continue to be relied upon, but players like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will be expected to make the leap from being rotational-type players to the starting lineup, and none of those three players have the sort of skill set that McDonald brings to the table.The Vikings’ defense, as good as it’s been, doesn’t really have a true run-stuffing defensive tackle who can anchor things in the middle. McDonald is the best in this class when it comes to stopping the run, and plugging him into the middle of the defensive line should help Redmond and the other defensive linemen immensely, as well as helping to keep blockers off of the linebackers at the second level. His presence should help Brian Flores’ defense to put opposing offenses into second and third-and-long situations more consistently, which is what this defense lives for.McDonald still has some developing to do as an interior pass rusher, but for now he’s going to be asked to stop the run. His pass rush skills will catch up eventually. The Vikings can address the safety position on Day 2 of the draft, but McDonald appears to be the best pick for them at this spot in Round 1. #Kayden #McDonald #Vikings #pick #Nations #community #mock #draft

Kayden McDonald goes to Vikings at pick No. 18 in SB Nation’s community mock draft

Kayden McDonald, DL, THE. . .dramatic pause. . .Ohio State University

Yes, pretty much every mock draft in America has the Vikings linked to a safety in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the defensive line, in my opinion, is a much greater need with the release of Jon Allen and Javon Hargrave earlier in the offseason.

Right now, the Vikings’ defensive line is relying on a lot of young players. Jalen Redmond took a big step forward last season and will continue to be relied upon, but players like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will be expected to make the leap from being rotational-type players to the starting lineup, and none of those three players have the sort of skill set that McDonald brings to the table.

The Vikings’ defense, as good as it’s been, doesn’t really have a true run-stuffing defensive tackle who can anchor things in the middle. McDonald is the best in this class when it comes to stopping the run, and plugging him into the middle of the defensive line should help Redmond and the other defensive linemen immensely, as well as helping to keep blockers off of the linebackers at the second level. His presence should help Brian Flores’ defense to put opposing offenses into second and third-and-long situations more consistently, which is what this defense lives for.

McDonald still has some developing to do as an interior pass rusher, but for now he’s going to be asked to stop the run. His pass rush skills will catch up eventually. The Vikings can address the safety position on Day 2 of the draft, but McDonald appears to be the best pick for them at this spot in Round 1.

#Kayden #McDonald #Vikings #pick #Nations #community #mock #draft

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Kayden McDonald, DL, THE. . .dramatic pause. . .Ohio State University

Yes, pretty much every mock draft in America has the Vikings linked to a safety in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the defensive line, in my opinion, is a much greater need with the release of Jon Allen and Javon Hargrave earlier in the offseason.

Right now, the Vikings’ defensive line is relying on a lot of young players. Jalen Redmond took a big step forward last season and will continue to be relied upon, but players like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will be expected to make the leap from being rotational-type players to the starting lineup, and none of those three players have the sort of skill set that McDonald brings to the table.

The Vikings’ defense, as good as it’s been, doesn’t really have a true run-stuffing defensive tackle who can anchor things in the middle. McDonald is the best in this class when it comes to stopping the run, and plugging him into the middle of the defensive line should help Redmond and the other defensive linemen immensely, as well as helping to keep blockers off of the linebackers at the second level. His presence should help Brian Flores’ defense to put opposing offenses into second and third-and-long situations more consistently, which is what this defense lives for.

McDonald still has some developing to do as an interior pass rusher, but for now he’s going to be asked to stop the run. His pass rush skills will catch up eventually. The Vikings can address the safety position on Day 2 of the draft, but McDonald appears to be the best pick for them at this spot in Round 1.

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West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin was carried off the field by her teammates moments before the start of the team’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against Australia at The Oval on Tuesday.

Dottin appeared to be in visible distress, though the exact nature of the issue was not immediately clear. An official update from the West Indies camp is still awaited.

The incident occurred shortly after the national anthems, when Dottin seemed to either sustain an injury or fall ill before being helped off the field by her teammates.

Later in the match, Dottin did come out to bat with the Windies struggling 83/6.

Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bowl against West Indies in the first semifinal.

Published on Jun 30, 2026

#Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Deandra #Dottin #carried #field #start #Australia #West #Indies #semifinal">Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Why was Deandra Dottin carried off the field before start of Australia vs West Indies semifinal? West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin was carried off the field by her teammates moments before the start of the team’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against Australia at The Oval on Tuesday.Dottin appeared to be in visible distress, though the exact nature of the issue was not immediately clear. An official update from the West Indies camp is still awaited.The incident occurred shortly after the national anthems, when Dottin seemed to either sustain an injury or fall ill before being helped off the field by her teammates.Later in the match, Dottin did come out to bat with the Windies struggling 83/6.Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bowl against West Indies in the first semifinal.Published on Jun 30, 2026 #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Deandra #Dottin #carried #field #start #Australia #West #Indies #semifinal

Deadspin | Seiya Suzuki delivers walk-off single as Cubs down Padres Jun 29, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reaches base on a fielder’s choice while at bat scoring one run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images Seiya Suzuki’s two-out RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday night lifted the Chicago Cubs to a 3-2 win over the visiting San Diego Padres. Dansby Swanson started the winning rally with an infield single against Jason Adam (2-2). Pete Crow-Armstrong singled Swanson to second, and San Diego replaced Adam with Mason Miller. Alex Bregman singled to fill the bases, but Michael Busch’s flyout to shallow left became a double play when Jase Bowen gunned down Swanson at the plate. However, Suzuki drove a slider to deep left and Bowen couldn’t hang on at the wall, allowing Crow-Armstrong to score the winning run. Trent Thornton (3-2) worked around a one-out infield hit by Fernando Tatis Jr. in the ninth as Chicago prevailed for the seventh time in eight games. It was the third straight defeat for San Diego. Neither starter was involved in the decision. San Diego’s Griffin Canning yielded two runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings, walking two and striking out three. Chicago’s Shota Imanaga scattered nine hits in his 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs with no walks and four strikeouts. The Padres initiated the scoring in the top of the third when Tatis grounded into a fielder’s choice with men at second and third and one out. Freddy Fermin was retired at third, but Xander Bogaerts scored. Bogaerts made it 2-0 in the fourth, rifling a double into the left field corner to score Miguel Andujar (3-for-4). It was Bogaerts’ second hit in as many innings after entering the game 0-for-10 against Imanaga. The Cubs got on the board in the fourth via a two-out single from Michael Conforto that plated Suzuki, who had doubled to left with one out. The inning was extended when Canning plunked Nico Hoerner. Chicago tied the score 2-2 in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Suzuki that scored Dansby Swanson, who had hit a leadoff double. Poor situational hitting kept the game even. The teams went a combined 5-for-24 with runners in scoring position and teamed to strand 20 runners. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Seiya #Suzuki #delivers #walkoff #single #Cubs #PadresJun 29, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reaches base on a fielder’s choice while at bat scoring one run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Seiya Suzuki’s two-out RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday night lifted the Chicago Cubs to a 3-2 win over the visiting San Diego Padres.

Dansby Swanson started the winning rally with an infield single against Jason Adam (2-2). Pete Crow-Armstrong singled Swanson to second, and San Diego replaced Adam with Mason Miller.

Alex Bregman singled to fill the bases, but Michael Busch’s flyout to shallow left became a double play when Jase Bowen gunned down Swanson at the plate. However, Suzuki drove a slider to deep left and Bowen couldn’t hang on at the wall, allowing Crow-Armstrong to score the winning run.

Trent Thornton (3-2) worked around a one-out infield hit by Fernando Tatis Jr. in the ninth as Chicago prevailed for the seventh time in eight games. It was the third straight defeat for San Diego.

Neither starter was involved in the decision. San Diego’s Griffin Canning yielded two runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings, walking two and striking out three. Chicago’s Shota Imanaga scattered nine hits in his 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs with no walks and four strikeouts.


The Padres initiated the scoring in the top of the third when Tatis grounded into a fielder’s choice with men at second and third and one out. Freddy Fermin was retired at third, but Xander Bogaerts scored.

Bogaerts made it 2-0 in the fourth, rifling a double into the left field corner to score Miguel Andujar (3-for-4). It was Bogaerts’ second hit in as many innings after entering the game 0-for-10 against Imanaga.

The Cubs got on the board in the fourth via a two-out single from Michael Conforto that plated Suzuki, who had doubled to left with one out. The inning was extended when Canning plunked Nico Hoerner.

Chicago tied the score 2-2 in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Suzuki that scored Dansby Swanson, who had hit a leadoff double.

Poor situational hitting kept the game even. The teams went a combined 5-for-24 with runners in scoring position and teamed to strand 20 runners.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Seiya #Suzuki #delivers #walkoff #single #Cubs #Padres">Deadspin | Seiya Suzuki delivers walk-off single as Cubs down Padres Jun 29, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reaches base on a fielder’s choice while at bat scoring one run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images Seiya Suzuki’s two-out RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday night lifted the Chicago Cubs to a 3-2 win over the visiting San Diego Padres. Dansby Swanson started the winning rally with an infield single against Jason Adam (2-2). Pete Crow-Armstrong singled Swanson to second, and San Diego replaced Adam with Mason Miller. Alex Bregman singled to fill the bases, but Michael Busch’s flyout to shallow left became a double play when Jase Bowen gunned down Swanson at the plate. However, Suzuki drove a slider to deep left and Bowen couldn’t hang on at the wall, allowing Crow-Armstrong to score the winning run. Trent Thornton (3-2) worked around a one-out infield hit by Fernando Tatis Jr. in the ninth as Chicago prevailed for the seventh time in eight games. It was the third straight defeat for San Diego. Neither starter was involved in the decision. San Diego’s Griffin Canning yielded two runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings, walking two and striking out three. Chicago’s Shota Imanaga scattered nine hits in his 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs with no walks and four strikeouts. The Padres initiated the scoring in the top of the third when Tatis grounded into a fielder’s choice with men at second and third and one out. Freddy Fermin was retired at third, but Xander Bogaerts scored. Bogaerts made it 2-0 in the fourth, rifling a double into the left field corner to score Miguel Andujar (3-for-4). It was Bogaerts’ second hit in as many innings after entering the game 0-for-10 against Imanaga. The Cubs got on the board in the fourth via a two-out single from Michael Conforto that plated Suzuki, who had doubled to left with one out. The inning was extended when Canning plunked Nico Hoerner. Chicago tied the score 2-2 in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Suzuki that scored Dansby Swanson, who had hit a leadoff double. Poor situational hitting kept the game even. The teams went a combined 5-for-24 with runners in scoring position and teamed to strand 20 runners. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Seiya #Suzuki #delivers #walkoff #single #Cubs #Padres

If Jaylen Brown isn’t the biggest name on the NBA trade block right now, then Kawhi Leonard probably is. The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to discuss an extension with their 35-year-old superstar entering the final year of his contract, and it’s set off speculation that a trade is imminent.

Leonard remains arguably the best wing scorer in the world when he’s healthy, but his durability has always been an issue. He played 65 games last season, which is his second-highest since 2016-2017. Any team that trades for Leonard needs to be in position to win the championship right away, which makes finding a potential suitor for him even more difficult. While a Toronto Raptors reunion appears to have real momentum behind it right now, the door is still open for another team to make a deal.

It sure feels like Leonard will be dealt before there’s any sort of ruling on his Aspiration salary cap circumvention scandal. Here are six potential Kawhi trades that make sense for both sides.

Clippers get: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, 2027 first-round pick

Raptors get: Kawhi Leonard

This is the trade everyone is expecting to happen. I wonder if there’s really enough coming back to the Clippers in this trade without the inclusion of Allen Graves or Collin Murray-Boyles. I think another team can beat this offer unless Toronto is willing to throw in a second draft pick.

Clippers get: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2027 first-round pick via Atlanta

The Spurs were just in the NBA Finals, so maybe this trade feels a little too bold right now. I don’t think the Clippers would have interest in De’Aaron Fox as he starts a $228 million deal with Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland already in the backcourt, but Vassell would make sense for Los Angeles. The Spurs probably do not want to lose Vassell, and that might make this a non-starter. San Antonio certainly showed their need for more halfcourt shot-creation and shot-making during their Finals loss to the Knicks, and a deal like this could make them the championship favorites next year. It’s risky, but I like it for San Antonio, and I think this offer could win a bidding war.

Clippers get: Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, 2033 first-round pick

Nuggets get: Kawhi Leonard

The Denver Nuggets feel further away from a championship than at any other point in the Nikola Jokic era after a humbling first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves. The 2033 first-round pick is the last real asset Denver has to build a contender around Jokic, and Leonard might be the best player they could add in terms of increasing their championship odds for next season. This is a ton to give up for Denver, but the Jokic, Leonard, Jamal Murray trio would be right there with the league’s best.

Clippers get: Jaylen Brown

Clippers get: Kawhi Leonard

This would be an all-time ‘my problem for your problem’ trade. The Celtics are reportedly motivated to deal Brown after dangling him in their Giannis offer, and this is the rare deal that could return a player potentially even better for next season. Why would the Celtics be willing to get five years older in this deal? Well, it’s possible Brown is just ready for his next chapter, but this trade would also probably make Boston cheaper and more flexible going forward. I like it as a 1-for-1 with no picks involved.

Clippers get: Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, 2027 first-round pick

Pistons get: Kawhi Leonard

I’ll admit I can’t get the salaries to match in this deal on the trade machine, but something like this could work in broad strokes even if it has to involve a third team. A trade for Leonard would immediately vault the Pistons into championship contender status assuming he could survive a playoff run. Detroit seems ready to shake it up after trading Isaiah Stewart earlier this offseason, and Leonard truly feels like a perfect fit for what Detroit needs.

Clippers get: Paul George, Clippers 2028 first-round pick

Zach Lowe brought this one up on his podcast, and it’s so good I had to include it. The Clippers were wise to let Paul George walk to Philly in free agency, and now they can get him back in exchange for the unprotected 2028 first-round pick they once forked over for James Harden. I don’t actually think Philly would go for this, but imagine a world where Leonard and Joel Embiid stay healthy, and they’re flanked by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Labaron Philon in the backcourt. Sheesh. Big risk, big reward.

#Kawhi #Leonard #trade #ideas #rumors #surround #Clippers #star">6 Kawhi Leonard trade ideas as rumors surround Clippers star If Jaylen Brown isn’t the biggest name on the NBA trade block right now, then Kawhi Leonard probably is. The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to discuss an extension with their 35-year-old superstar entering the final year of his contract, and it’s set off speculation that a trade is imminent.Leonard remains arguably the best wing scorer in the world when he’s healthy, but his durability has always been an issue. He played 65 games last season, which is his second-highest since 2016-2017. Any team that trades for Leonard needs to be in position to win the championship right away, which makes finding a potential suitor for him even more difficult. While a Toronto Raptors reunion appears to have real momentum behind it right now, the door is still open for another team to make a deal.It sure feels like Leonard will be dealt before there’s any sort of ruling on his Aspiration salary cap circumvention scandal. Here are six potential Kawhi trades that make sense for both sides.Clippers get: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, 2027 first-round pickRaptors get: Kawhi LeonardThis is the trade everyone is expecting to happen. I wonder if there’s really enough coming back to the Clippers in this trade without the inclusion of Allen Graves or Collin Murray-Boyles. I think another team can beat this offer unless Toronto is willing to throw in a second draft pick.Clippers get: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2027 first-round pick via AtlantaThe Spurs were just in the NBA Finals, so maybe this trade feels a little too bold right now. I don’t think the Clippers would have interest in De’Aaron Fox as he starts a 8 million deal with Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland already in the backcourt, but Vassell would make sense for Los Angeles. The Spurs probably do not want to lose Vassell, and that might make this a non-starter. San Antonio certainly showed their need for more halfcourt shot-creation and shot-making during their Finals loss to the Knicks, and a deal like this could make them the championship favorites next year. It’s risky, but I like it for San Antonio, and I think this offer could win a bidding war.Clippers get: Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, 2033 first-round pickNuggets get: Kawhi LeonardThe Denver Nuggets feel further away from a championship than at any other point in the Nikola Jokic era after a humbling first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves. The 2033 first-round pick is the last real asset Denver has to build a contender around Jokic, and Leonard might be the best player they could add in terms of increasing their championship odds for next season. This is a ton to give up for Denver, but the Jokic, Leonard, Jamal Murray trio would be right there with the league’s best.Clippers get: Jaylen BrownClippers get: Kawhi LeonardThis would be an all-time ‘my problem for your problem’ trade. The Celtics are reportedly motivated to deal Brown after dangling him in their Giannis offer, and this is the rare deal that could return a player potentially even better for next season. Why would the Celtics be willing to get five years older in this deal? Well, it’s possible Brown is just ready for his next chapter, but this trade would also probably make Boston cheaper and more flexible going forward. I like it as a 1-for-1 with no picks involved.Clippers get: Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, 2027 first-round pickPistons get: Kawhi LeonardI’ll admit I can’t get the salaries to match in this deal on the trade machine, but something like this could work in broad strokes even if it has to involve a third team. A trade for Leonard would immediately vault the Pistons into championship contender status assuming he could survive a playoff run. Detroit seems ready to shake it up after trading Isaiah Stewart earlier this offseason, and Leonard truly feels like a perfect fit for what Detroit needs.Clippers get: Paul George, Clippers 2028 first-round pickZach Lowe brought this one up on his podcast, and it’s so good I had to include it. The Clippers were wise to let Paul George walk to Philly in free agency, and now they can get him back in exchange for the unprotected 2028 first-round pick they once forked over for James Harden. I don’t actually think Philly would go for this, but imagine a world where Leonard and Joel Embiid stay healthy, and they’re flanked by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Labaron Philon in the backcourt. Sheesh. Big risk, big reward. #Kawhi #Leonard #trade #ideas #rumors #surround #Clippers #star

If Jaylen Brown isn’t the biggest name on the NBA trade block right now, then Kawhi Leonard probably is. The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to discuss an extension with their 35-year-old superstar entering the final year of his contract, and it’s set off speculation that a trade is imminent.

Leonard remains arguably the best wing scorer in the world when he’s healthy, but his durability has always been an issue. He played 65 games last season, which is his second-highest since 2016-2017. Any team that trades for Leonard needs to be in position to win the championship right away, which makes finding a potential suitor for him even more difficult. While a Toronto Raptors reunion appears to have real momentum behind it right now, the door is still open for another team to make a deal.

It sure feels like Leonard will be dealt before there’s any sort of ruling on his Aspiration salary cap circumvention scandal. Here are six potential Kawhi trades that make sense for both sides.

Clippers get: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, 2027 first-round pick

Raptors get: Kawhi Leonard

This is the trade everyone is expecting to happen. I wonder if there’s really enough coming back to the Clippers in this trade without the inclusion of Allen Graves or Collin Murray-Boyles. I think another team can beat this offer unless Toronto is willing to throw in a second draft pick.

Clippers get: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2027 first-round pick via Atlanta

The Spurs were just in the NBA Finals, so maybe this trade feels a little too bold right now. I don’t think the Clippers would have interest in De’Aaron Fox as he starts a $228 million deal with Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland already in the backcourt, but Vassell would make sense for Los Angeles. The Spurs probably do not want to lose Vassell, and that might make this a non-starter. San Antonio certainly showed their need for more halfcourt shot-creation and shot-making during their Finals loss to the Knicks, and a deal like this could make them the championship favorites next year. It’s risky, but I like it for San Antonio, and I think this offer could win a bidding war.

Clippers get: Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, 2033 first-round pick

Nuggets get: Kawhi Leonard

The Denver Nuggets feel further away from a championship than at any other point in the Nikola Jokic era after a humbling first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves. The 2033 first-round pick is the last real asset Denver has to build a contender around Jokic, and Leonard might be the best player they could add in terms of increasing their championship odds for next season. This is a ton to give up for Denver, but the Jokic, Leonard, Jamal Murray trio would be right there with the league’s best.

Clippers get: Jaylen Brown

Clippers get: Kawhi Leonard

This would be an all-time ‘my problem for your problem’ trade. The Celtics are reportedly motivated to deal Brown after dangling him in their Giannis offer, and this is the rare deal that could return a player potentially even better for next season. Why would the Celtics be willing to get five years older in this deal? Well, it’s possible Brown is just ready for his next chapter, but this trade would also probably make Boston cheaper and more flexible going forward. I like it as a 1-for-1 with no picks involved.

Clippers get: Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, 2027 first-round pick

Pistons get: Kawhi Leonard

I’ll admit I can’t get the salaries to match in this deal on the trade machine, but something like this could work in broad strokes even if it has to involve a third team. A trade for Leonard would immediately vault the Pistons into championship contender status assuming he could survive a playoff run. Detroit seems ready to shake it up after trading Isaiah Stewart earlier this offseason, and Leonard truly feels like a perfect fit for what Detroit needs.

Clippers get: Paul George, Clippers 2028 first-round pick

Zach Lowe brought this one up on his podcast, and it’s so good I had to include it. The Clippers were wise to let Paul George walk to Philly in free agency, and now they can get him back in exchange for the unprotected 2028 first-round pick they once forked over for James Harden. I don’t actually think Philly would go for this, but imagine a world where Leonard and Joel Embiid stay healthy, and they’re flanked by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Labaron Philon in the backcourt. Sheesh. Big risk, big reward.

#Kawhi #Leonard #trade #ideas #rumors #surround #Clippers #star">6 Kawhi Leonard trade ideas as rumors surround Clippers star

If Jaylen Brown isn’t the biggest name on the NBA trade block right now, then Kawhi Leonard probably is. The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to discuss an extension with their 35-year-old superstar entering the final year of his contract, and it’s set off speculation that a trade is imminent.

Leonard remains arguably the best wing scorer in the world when he’s healthy, but his durability has always been an issue. He played 65 games last season, which is his second-highest since 2016-2017. Any team that trades for Leonard needs to be in position to win the championship right away, which makes finding a potential suitor for him even more difficult. While a Toronto Raptors reunion appears to have real momentum behind it right now, the door is still open for another team to make a deal.

It sure feels like Leonard will be dealt before there’s any sort of ruling on his Aspiration salary cap circumvention scandal. Here are six potential Kawhi trades that make sense for both sides.

Clippers get: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, 2027 first-round pick

Raptors get: Kawhi Leonard

This is the trade everyone is expecting to happen. I wonder if there’s really enough coming back to the Clippers in this trade without the inclusion of Allen Graves or Collin Murray-Boyles. I think another team can beat this offer unless Toronto is willing to throw in a second draft pick.

Clippers get: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2027 first-round pick via Atlanta

The Spurs were just in the NBA Finals, so maybe this trade feels a little too bold right now. I don’t think the Clippers would have interest in De’Aaron Fox as he starts a $228 million deal with Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland already in the backcourt, but Vassell would make sense for Los Angeles. The Spurs probably do not want to lose Vassell, and that might make this a non-starter. San Antonio certainly showed their need for more halfcourt shot-creation and shot-making during their Finals loss to the Knicks, and a deal like this could make them the championship favorites next year. It’s risky, but I like it for San Antonio, and I think this offer could win a bidding war.

Clippers get: Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, 2033 first-round pick

Nuggets get: Kawhi Leonard

The Denver Nuggets feel further away from a championship than at any other point in the Nikola Jokic era after a humbling first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves. The 2033 first-round pick is the last real asset Denver has to build a contender around Jokic, and Leonard might be the best player they could add in terms of increasing their championship odds for next season. This is a ton to give up for Denver, but the Jokic, Leonard, Jamal Murray trio would be right there with the league’s best.

Clippers get: Jaylen Brown

Clippers get: Kawhi Leonard

This would be an all-time ‘my problem for your problem’ trade. The Celtics are reportedly motivated to deal Brown after dangling him in their Giannis offer, and this is the rare deal that could return a player potentially even better for next season. Why would the Celtics be willing to get five years older in this deal? Well, it’s possible Brown is just ready for his next chapter, but this trade would also probably make Boston cheaper and more flexible going forward. I like it as a 1-for-1 with no picks involved.

Clippers get: Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, 2027 first-round pick

Pistons get: Kawhi Leonard

I’ll admit I can’t get the salaries to match in this deal on the trade machine, but something like this could work in broad strokes even if it has to involve a third team. A trade for Leonard would immediately vault the Pistons into championship contender status assuming he could survive a playoff run. Detroit seems ready to shake it up after trading Isaiah Stewart earlier this offseason, and Leonard truly feels like a perfect fit for what Detroit needs.

Clippers get: Paul George, Clippers 2028 first-round pick

Zach Lowe brought this one up on his podcast, and it’s so good I had to include it. The Clippers were wise to let Paul George walk to Philly in free agency, and now they can get him back in exchange for the unprotected 2028 first-round pick they once forked over for James Harden. I don’t actually think Philly would go for this, but imagine a world where Leonard and Joel Embiid stay healthy, and they’re flanked by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Labaron Philon in the backcourt. Sheesh. Big risk, big reward.

#Kawhi #Leonard #trade #ideas #rumors #surround #Clippers #star

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