Dallas Mavericks: Odds they can acquire Kawhi Leonard this offseason

Where do Dallas Mavericks stand in the race for Kawhi Leonard?

Kawhi was a free agent just two years ago, and Dallas did not even get a look from the two-time NBA champion. Things have changed for the Mavericks, though. Luka Doncic went from Rookie of the Year to perennial MVP candidate. He is an elite ball-handler and playmaker, which is something the Clippers lack. Would Kawhi want to join the 22-year-old superstar in Dallas? Luka has proved against him two straight years that he is going to perform his best in the playoffs.

The Nets and Lakers would have a near-impossible time acquiring Kawhi without giving up one of their superstars. Nearly every other team in the league would create room for Leonard.

O’Connor noted the Heat and Knicks as two viable options for the Klaw this summer. Would he rather play with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo than Luka? Does the spotlight in the Big Apple have enough pull to suck Kawhi away from LA? Only Leonard and his uncle Dennis likely know the answers to those questions.

The Sixers, Bucks, and Nuggets could also be in the mix, but Kawhi has his choice. Dallas likely stands in the top two if he decides to leave the Clippers, but that is pure speculation. Playing with Luka and winning a title in Texas, where there are no income taxes, should sound enticing to any star player.

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