Bill Simmons Compares Clippers' Kawhi Leonard Decision to Luka Doncic Trade

The LA Clippers are currently under NBA investigation regarding Kawhi Leonard's alleged "no-show job" with Aspiration, but attention is also turning to the franchise's 2019 decision to sign him. After winning a championship with the Toronto Raptors, Leonard chose the Clippers over the Raptors and Lakers, though questions about potential under-the-table agreements surrounded the signing.

Leonard's tenure with the Clippers has been plagued by injuries; he has played more than 60 games only once in six seasons and missed the entire 2021-22 season. The team's on-court success has been limited, with just one Western Conference Finals appearance in 2021 and no advancement past the first round since.

As a condition for signing, Leonard demanded the Clippers acquire Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The trade, which sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, multiple first-round picks, and pick swaps to OKC, is now viewed as highly lopsided, especially after Gilgeous-Alexander's recent MVP-level success.

The Ringer's Bill Simmons has called the Clippers' acquisition of Leonard the "most damaging transaction in the history of the league," citing the high cost in players and draft capital, lack of team success, and the current scandal. While his podcast guest compared it to the hypothetical trade of Luka Dončić by Dallas, Simmons maintained that the Clippers' situation is uniquely damaging due to its long-term repercussions.