Report: 76ers Attempted to Acquire Kawhi Leonard! Looking to Shed George's Contract? May Try Again This Summer

On March 5th Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Kevin O'Connor, the 76ers attempted to acquire Clippers star Kawhi Leonard before the trade deadline.

O'Connor stated: "Sources within management said the 76ers were actively making calls inquiring about trades before the deadline, but nothing came close to completion. Sources revealed they were pursuing a star, and Kawhi Leonard was the name linked to Philadelphia. But ultimately, nothing happened."

Is Leonard Actually Available for Trade?

Following other moves by the Clippers before the deadline, there was external belief that Leonard could be moved soon.

Los Angeles swapping 36-year-old playmaker Harden for 26-year-old point guard Garland signaled a shift towards youth for the team. From this perspective, the championship window for the 34-year-old Leonard aligns more closely with Harden's than with Garland's.

Garland is a two-time All-Star, and some believe the Clippers' strength won't see a significant drop-off. However, the Clippers also traded longtime starting center Zubac to the Pacers for the soon-to-be restricted free agent Mathurin. Clearly, the Clippers are now prioritizing the future over the present.

Additionally, the NBA is still investigating the Clippers for alleged salary cap circumvention. Although the outcome is unknown, Leonard's contract could even be voided. Even if not voided, this incident has cast a shadow over both the team and the player. A parting of ways might be the best option for both sides to save face.

For these reasons, it is entirely logical that the 76ers believed Leonard could be placed on the trading block.

Will the 76ers Try Again?

The 76ers and Clippers have previously completed the Paul George trade, so there is an existing foundation of cooperation between the two front offices, which could pave the way for a potential future deal. However, Philadelphia needs to be cautious about rekindling this "old flame."

From on-court performance to availability, George's tenure with the 76ers has been underwhelming. Some even suspect thatPhiladelphia, while inquiring about Leonard, might also have been looking to offload George's contract.

It's important to note, however, that both George and Leonard have one season remaining on their contracts. Therefore, both teams could be looking to find them new homes this summer.

If the Clippers are determined to rebuild, it's unlikely George would return to LA. Leonard, however, is a strong possibility to land in Philadelphia. What the 76ers need to do might simply be to find a team willing to take on George.

So far this season, Leonard has played 46 games for the Clippers, averaging 27.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. George has played 27 games for the 76ers, averaging 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.