Kawhi Leonard wants someone to join him in Los Angeles if he decides to go there,
The Clippers are exploring the possibility of signing both Leonard and Jimmy Butler to play together, according to the New York Times.
The reason for this is Leonard wants to be paired alongside a top-flight free agent, according to the report.
The Clippers are exploring the feasibility of signing both Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler in free agency, @NYTSports has learned
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2019
Leonard wants to be joined by a top-flight free agent if he decides to leave Toronto for the Clippers and Butler's rugged two-way game makes for an intriguing pairing. Clippers adviser Jerry West is also a known admirer of Butler
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2019
This isn't an entirely new idea, as the Clippers have been exploring adding Butler for a while and also have discussed the possibility of signing both players in recent weeks.
Also, it came out Saturday that Leonard and Kevin Durant have discussed teaming up together and the Clippers are one of only two teams that could make that happen moneywise.
But to hear it this close to free agency means it wasn't just a fleeting thought when they first thought about adding Butler.
This team is thinking about the move right now and likely believes it is a serious possibility.
Free agency officially kicks off at 6 p.m. ET Sunday.