Portland Trail Blazers Eye Kawhi Leonard If Jayson Brown Deal Falls Through

After returning to the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2020/21 season, the Portland Trail Blazers are aiming to advance past the first round for the first time since 2018/19. The team has prioritized acquiring Jayson Brown from the Boston Celtics, currently considered the favorite to complete the trade this summer. However, if the deal for Brown does not materialize, Portland has prepared an alternative plan. According to ESPN reporter Jake Weinbach, the Blazers may shift their full efforts to acquiring Kawhi Leonard to significantly strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. Weinbach noted that Portland recognizes a missing piece in their lineup and is actively pursuing a star to compete in the tough Western Conference. Despite this backup plan, acquiring Leonard would also be challenging. Recent reports from Jake Fischer indicate that the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers are negotiating a trade involving Leonard, who could return to the Raptors, the team with which he won the 2019 championship. One proposed component of the trade could involve Brandon Ingram moving in the opposite direction.