Clippers unmoved by Leonard trade proposals; Lakers linked to Ziaire Williams as Carr, Peat discuss draft landings
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Los Angeles, CA — The Clippers have listened to inquiries about Kawhi Leonard but remain dissatisfied with the packages on the table and are signaling they prefer to keep the star forward, according to Clutch Points reporters Tomer Azarly and Brett Siegel.
Front-office executives have taken calls regarding Leonard’s availability yet have not initiated discussions themselves. Team officials reportedly view every formal offer so far as below market value. One proposal from Toronto built around Brandon Ingram failed to generate interest, and Los Angeles did not submit a counteroffer. Sources add that including All-Rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles might alter the Clippers’ stance, but the Raptors have shown no willingness to move last year’s lottery pick. Dallas would likely need to feature young center Dereck Lively II to gain serious traction.
There is mutual interest in negotiating a long-term extension to keep Leonard in Los Angeles, though the franchise and player remain far apart on financial terms. How the league’s ongoing investigation into Leonard’s relationship with Aspiration could affect talks is undetermined. Separately, Sportsnet.ca’s Michael Grange reports league sources doubt an extension will be reached.
Lakers monitoring Ziaire Williams
With Brooklyn declining Ziaire Williams’s $6.25 million player option, the Lakers are viewed as a potential free-agency destination, The Athletic’s Dan Woike reports. Bolstering wing depth while getting younger and more athletic are offseason priorities in Los Angeles. The 6-foot-9, 24-year-old Williams — a former Sierra Canyon teammate of Bronny James — has shown growth as a perimeter shooter and is regarded as a versatile defender.
No. 24 pick Cameron Carr sees drop as “a blessing”
First-rounder Cameron Carr, projected near the back end of the lottery, slipped to the Lakers at No. 24 but told the Orange County Register’s Benjamin Royer he is grateful for the outcome. “It didn’t feel real for the first couple minutes,” Carr said of hearing his name. The guard, son of six-year NBA veteran Chris Carr, noted that improving defensively is his primary focus as he adjusts to competing against superior athleticism at the professional level.
Suns newcomer Koa Peat unfazed by selection at No. 30
Koa Peat, who fell to No. 30 before Phoenix traded up to grab him, echoed Carr’s sentiment, telling AZ Central’s Duane Rankin that fit matters more than draft slot. “The picks are out the window now,” said the Arizona native, adding that Summer League competition will quickly reset perceptions. Peat spent his lone college season with the in-state Wildcats and hopes to import a “winning attitude” to the Suns.
Source: Hoops Rumors
