Thanks to Draymond Green, speculations on the Golden State Warriors’ offseason moves have picked up a lot of steam this week. Whether or not Green intended to stir the rumors, there is now increased talk about a former Finals MVP coming to the Bay Area.
On an episode of his self-titled podcast prior to the Warriors’ second and final play-in game, Green heaped plenty of praise on Kawhi Leonard, who led the LA Clippers’ spirited effort against Golden State on Wednesday.
“I don’t even talk junk to Kawhi Leonard because I have so much respect for him…You’re talking about a special, special player. Kawhi is one of the better, top 5 offensive players in our league, and he’s also a top 5 defensive player.”
Draymond Green’s expression of admiration for Kawhi Leonard has led fans to think that the Clippers star could be coming to Golden State in the near future.
“Draymond knows what hes doing man. Kawhi to the warriors def has legs”
“Damn, already tampering.”
“They’re courting each other? Lol”
“He wants him on his team so bad”
“Doing his best job recruiting him. ”
“He’s up to something…”
Back in 2016, Green infamously contacted Kevin Durant after the Warriors lost Game 7 of the NBA Finals. It’s possible, then, that the former Defensive Player of the Year was sending feelers with these comments about Leonard.
“Hall of Fame Defender”: Kawhi Leonard Gives Credit to Draymond Green for Excellent Defensive Job in Play-in Game
For his part, Kawhi Leonard had no qualms giving recognition to Draymond Green for his spectacular one-on-one defense this past Wednesday.
After the Warriors defeated the Clippers 126-121 to advance in the play-in tournament, Leonard gave a shoutout to the primary defender that made his life miserable.
“Hall of Fame defender…it was hard to even get shots up.”
With Green hounding Leonard in the fourth quarter, the two-time Finals MVP mustered just two points as the Warriors seized the lead and capped off a comeback victory.
