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Should The Sacramento Kings Pursue Kawhi Leonard?

By Rafe Wong

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on November 16, 2016 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on November 16, 2016 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Should the Sacramento Kings be a player in the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes? This article will display my thoughts on the issue.

The NBA world went insane when the news came out that Kawhi Leonard has requested a trade from the San Antonio Spurs. Right now, Kawhi is considered a top-tier player in the NBA due to his ability to efficiently produce on both ends of the floor. So whichever team picks him up this summer will immensely improve next season.

When the news came out pertaining to Leonard, most people predicted that three teams make sense for the multiple All-Star to go to. These three destinations are the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics. Although these three franchises may be the favorites to land Leonard, there have been reports out that the Kings are also interested in trading for him as well.

Is it the right move for the Kings to go after him?

My Thoughts

It all depends on what Kawhi wants for his long-term future. Right now, Leonard has one more year left on his current contract before he can opt out with a player option. Therefore, he can become an unrestricted free agent once the 2018-2019 NBA season concludes.

Must Read: How The Sacramento Kings Can Land Kawhi Leonard?

Unless Leonard guarantees that he will sign an extension with the Kings this summer, it would be too much of a gamble for Sacramento to go after him.

In my opinion, the Kings would have to penny up their second overall pick and two of their young talents to have at least a chance to get Leonard through trade. So if he ends up just leaving after one year, the Kings would be back to square one in terms of returning back to relevancy.

So overall, my advice for the Kings would be to stay away from Kawhi Leonard right now. Unless he commits to Sacramento for multiple years, it would be too risky for them because they would have to give up a ton of assets just for a likely one-year rental.

Next: 5 options for the Kings at pick two

Kings fans, do you think your team should go after Kawhi Leonard this offseason? To express your thoughts on the issue, feel free to comment on our website, Facebook page, or Twitter account.  

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