Valley of the Suns
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Is Kawhi Leonard going to be the Suns’ big splash this Summer?

By Zachary Spiecker

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 5: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball during game against the Phoenix Suns on January 5, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 5: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball during game against the Phoenix Suns on January 5, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Trouble is brewing in San Antonio. Kawhi Leonard, for the better part of the season, has given off the vibe that he doesn’t want to play for them any more. Meanwhile, the Suns have arguably one of the best collection of assets in the NBA. Kawhi to Phoenix?

Yes, it’s far-fetched. But so was Paul George to Oklahoma City. So was Kyrie Irving to Boston. This is the NBA. Players constantly want to be on the move and every couple of years there is a superstar up for grabs. It just happens to be Kawhi Leonard this year.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

Of course, this is at the right price.

The Spurs are easily considered the best organization in basketball. They’ve won 50 games or more the last 18 (18!!) seasons, and they could make it 19 with a strong finish. Despite all this winning, Kawhi Leonard has reportedly decided not to play even though he is medically cleared. Whether this is because he doesn’t want to aggravate the injury or because he simply doesn’t want to play in San Antonio, it’s not a good look for Leonard.

Enter the Phoenix Suns.

Suns fans have been depraved of quality basketball for nearly a decade. The team has one of the worst records in the NBA, we pray for lottery balls, and we have maybe five players on the roster who could be contributors to a good team.

Over this near decade of mediocrity, Ryan Mcdonough has consistently promised the Suns would make a “big splash” in free agency or trade. If Kawhi Leonard can be had, he should be the guy. Leonard could bring the Suns out of mediocrity and into relevancy. If the Suns were to get a top-2 pick, you would have a lineup consisting of something like this:

PG: Elfrid Payton or Luka Doncic

SG: Devin Booker

SF: Kawhi Leonard

PF: Dragan Bender

C: Tyson Chandler or Deandre Ayton

While not a title contender just yet, this team could win some games, and this is without free agency. If the Suns are able to land Aaron Gordon or Clint Capela, they get scary. Of course, the Suns would probably have to give up multiple picks, which they have, and multiple players, most likely T.J Warren and Marquese Chriss, to land someone like Leonard.

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He’s worth it. Kawhi Leonard could be the player that finally elevates the Suns to at least a playoff spot and hopefully more as guys like Booker, Bender and Jackson grow. Kawhi Leonard is worth the risk. Go get him Mcdonough.

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