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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Reasons they should not trade for Kawhi Leonard

By Nick Ziegler

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: (Editors Note: Image has been converted to black and white) Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs catches a pass and dribbles the ball up the court against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: (Editors Note: Image has been converted to black and white) Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs catches a pass and dribbles the ball up the court against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs wait for a rebound during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 30, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Spurs 117-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

– A free agent at the end of the season

One of the main reasons why the Lakers shouldn’t trade for Leonard is because of his contract status. Leonard is set to be a free agent at the end of the 2018-19 season and with a very high asking price, that isn’t ideal for the Lakers.

While Leonard seems to want to play in Los Angeles according to his camp, there is always the possibility that he didn’t sign with the team after trading for him. That would be the worst situation possible for the Lakers and could cripple the team depending on how much they gave to get him.

If Leonard wants to play for the Lakers and win titles, the best thing would be for him to sign as a free agent. However, the Lakers have seen with Paul George that a player can change his mind on where he wants to be. George seemed like a lock to sign with the Lakers this offseason, but instead stayed with the Oklahoma City Thunder after they traded for him last offseason.

Next: Grading moves in free agency so far

While there is certainly risk letting Leonard hit free agency, the Lakers now have a great piece in LeBron James already in place. With the best player in the world on your team, recruiting players like Leonard certainly becomes easier in free agency.

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