07-23-2021, 07:32 PM
(07-23-2021, 04:28 PM)vfromlmf Wrote: I don't think it's unreasonable to hold out hope for Kawahi.
My best guess is he certainly opts out. He can sign a big one-year deal in Dallas, sit out a year to rehab and walk into a handshake max contract the following season. That maximizes his earnings potential and puts the Mavs on Nets & Lakers level superteam status with two top five players and KP as the third option. Very enticing offer from a front office Kawahi can trust.
I've posted this on the discord a few times... But I really don't think Kawhi is going to lead you on if you don't have a shot at him.
There is no incentive to use the Mavs as leverage for any reason. He'll get his max and the Clippers will be doing everything they can to improve the team.
Kawhi isn't going to lead his friend Nico on. I'm not sure how good of friends they are but they have a good relationship from their time working together. I don't think he's going to be telling him he's considering the Mavs when he isn't.
Now he may consider the Mavs and then go elsewhere still. But if come free agency Mavs haven't been told otherwise, I think they are under very real consideration.
Perhaps the reason the door is opening is because something behind the scenes like Nico recruiting him. Or maybe the injury has Clippers hesitant about everything.
If Kawhi leaves, I think it's because some sort of trust issue broken with LAC. Perhaps he can see the roster is going to take a step back this year but considering he may not even play, I don't know if that's going to be a huge concern by him if he's even the type of guy to take stuff like that into consideration.
I think he would trust Nico based on their past working relationship which will be a big reason why he would come here. Or perhaps it was having to play Luka and be like this MF is just too dang good and realizing that teaming up would result in winning some championships together.