4. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi can become a free agent next summer. He has a $48.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season, but best of luck figuring out his plans. Leonard is rarely forthcoming with the media, and the Clippers have taken to holding their cards close to their vest on all things Kawhi. The five-time All-Star is extension-eligible, but the last four years have made the forecast murkier.
Leonard and Paul George teaming up in Los Angeles made them an instant contender, but after four years, there has been one conference finals appearance and tons of heartbreak. The Clippers have become more known for missed games than being in the title race.
Trading for Kawhi is a massive risk. He has not played in more than 60 games since 2017 and the knee injuries keep popping up. The 32-year-old is still elite when he is on the floor, but can he make it through a deep playoff run at this stage?
Kawhi Leonard is still a superstar and elite two-way player. The New York Knicks want a top talent who is capable of being the best player on a championship team. Leonard led the Raptors to a title in 2019 as the alpha, and the Knicks’ path to getting him to the Big Apple could still come through Uncle Dennis. It would be a risky move, but one with massive upside if it pays off.