Clippers may part ways with rarely available $149.5 million star via trade

While the Los Angeles Clippers have been without their superstar forward for the first 25 games of the year, they’ve found a way to stay above water in the Western Conference.

Still, the Clippers may consider trading the 2019-20 All-Star MVP despite being in decent shape during the early portion of the year.

“When it was reported that the LA Clippers were going to start this season without Kawhi Leonard, it was easy to assume that this was going to be another lost year for the franchise,” Sir Charles in Charge’s Michael Saenz wrote Sunday.

“However, at least through the first quarter-plus of the season, the Clippers have been one of the bigger surprises in the Western Conference.”

“Through 25 games, the Clippers are just a couple of games back of the No. 2 seed and are still within shouting distance of the No. 1 seed.”

“As Kawhi (Leonard) begins to inch closer to a return, which could come as soon as the next couple of weeks, I can’t help but wonder what this team could look like at full health.”

“Because of that, I don’t believe that the Clippers should be quick to trade Kawhi. In fact, I do believe that it would be an unnecessary knee-jerk move for the team to try to trade Kawhi as soon as he’s healthy again.”

“As strange as it may sound, it would probably be in the best interest of the team to see how good they can be at full strength. Trading Kawhi at the deadline would keep the team from exploring that option.”

Availability has been Leonard’s kryptonite since joining Los Angeles in 2019.

The two-time NBA champion is one of the best two-way threats in the league when he’s good to go, but his injury history indicates he’s struggled to avoid season-altering injuries as a member of the Clippers.

Assuming Leonard’s right knee heals soon, though, it would be foolish to trade away a player who could instantly elevate Tyronn Lue’s crew when he finally returns to action.

If Los Angeles looks solid now, what could they accomplish with a healthy Leonard in the lineup?

The answer is unclear now, but there’s a good chance the Clippers will attempt to find out by keeping the six-time All-Star around for the long haul.