Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jimmy Butler and Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard both have been linked to Los Angeles for their upcoming free agency. But, those reports might be premature.
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, there are rumors that neither superstar wants to join LeBron in L.A. Don’t expect Klay Thompson to bolt from Golden State to the Lakers either.
“There are whispers around the league that neither Jimmy Butler nor Kawhi Leonard wants to play with LeBron, and sources I’ve talked to would be shocked if Klay Thompson left Golden State. That might leave the Lakers with Walker or Middleton as their top remaining free-agent targets. If I’m the Hornets, that possibility would have me worried.”
Butler and Leonard seem to be dead set on being the “guy” on whatever teams they end up on, so it would be weird to see either go to L.A. to play second fiddle. In the case of Klay, he’s got little reason to leave a very comfortable situation in Golden State.
Landing Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker or Milwaukee Bucks guard Kris Middleton would be excellent additions for the Lakers. However, considering we’re still a year away from any of the players mentioned above’s free agency, let’s pump the breaks until at least next offseason.
[Complex]
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