Cleveland Cavaliers have the sixth best odds to land Kawhi Leonard

After possibly four straight Finals, the most decisive offseason may still be to come for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Could it include Kawhi Leonard?

With several superstars on the market this offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the top teams in the league and wish not to rejoin the others in the limbo of “the Process.” That said, the Cavs have the sixth best odds of acquiring superstar forward Kawhi Leonard.

The two-time Defensive Player of the Year played very little this season due to a quad injury, totaling just nine games. Leonard was “medically cleared” according to the Spurs’ team physicians. However, he opted to get a second option which caused tension between Leonard’s camp and the Spurs.

Needless to say, Leonard sat out the majority of the season including all five of the team’s postseason games. Leonard, who is coming off two straight top-five MVP finishes, is still considered a top 10 player in the league.

More from King James Gospel

• 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
• The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
• 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
• 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
• This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead

Teams like the Cavaliers with a closing window need to be cautious of trading all their chips for Leonard, a 26-year-old with just one more year guaranteed on his contract. Would it be wise for the Cavs to trade their top 10 2018 first-round pick (acquired from Boston via Brooklyn in the deal for Kyrie Irving)?

Leonard’s only NBA home, San Antonio, has allowed him to blossom into the star he is today. Under the mentorship of legendary NBA coach Gregg Popovich, Leonard hit his peak last season when he averaged 25.5 points per game and led San Antonio to the Western Conference Finals.

The Spurs even competed and were demolishing the Warriors in Game 1 at the Bay before Zaza Pachulia dealt a devasting blow to Leonard, sliding under him on a jump shot. Leonard was injured for the rest of the series.

In San Antonio, Leonard has won championships, but is it time for him to move on?

If you’re Cleveland, there are five more teams they assume have a better chance to land Leonard and than you. From that list, the only teams that seem to have a more realistic chance to land Leonard are the Lakers and Spurs. Boston and Philadelphia most likely won’t deal their young stars for an injured Leonard.

However, Cleveland has nothing to lose. The LeBron James era is closing, and they must make a move to even keep their superstar at bay.

Next: Should the Cavs pursue Kawhi or George this offseason?

Albeit they’re given the sixth-best odds, the Cleveland Cavaliers, if aggressive, could easily be Leonard next home. That, Paul George, and LeBron James’ pending decisions make this offseason one of the most entertaining in league history.