Kawhi Leonard Didn't Want To Team Up With Russell Westbrook In 2019, According To Ramona Shelburne

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Whenever we talk about Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers star often surprises us with his past and present moves. He pulled off a big one in 2019, luring Paul George away from Oklahoma City to create a talented duo in Los Angeles. 

We know that Kawhi tried to recruit other players like Jimmy Butler, but others tried to get involved in Leonard's plans, including Russell Westbrook. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN writes that two years ago, Brodie tried to team up with Kawhi, which helped the player convince Paul George to join him on the Clippers. 

So in the summer of 2019, while the rest of the NBA world fretted over who reigning NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard would choose between the Toronto Raptors and his hometown Los Angeles Lakers or LA Clippers, Westbrook was coming up with a plan to collaborate with him on a homecoming.

Westbrook had become a father of three the previous November, and while he’d made a home and carved a Hall of Fame legacy in Oklahoma City, the chance to live and play in Los Angeles, where grandparents and his large extended family and friends could visit every day, held deep appeal.

Teaming up with Leonard would be the fastest way there, so he placed the call, according to multiple sources. But Leonard didn’t just take the call as one native son of Los Angeles to another, ponder it and file it away.

He used it.

According to multiple sources, Leonard then called Westbrook’s teammate in Oklahoma City, Paul George, and told him he’d rather team up with him on a homecoming.

This was a huge move for Leonard, who played his cards very well and ended up having a great sidekick in Los Angeles. Although he and PG13 haven't had the best time in Los Angeles due to injuries, the Clips are still considered a competitive team. 

Kawhi set the alarms this year again, declining his player option with the Clippers. Some say he will re-sign with the team on different terms, but this could also open the door for rivals to strike a deal with the 2x NBA champion. 

Now Westbrook is part of the Los Angeles Lakers, trying to get revenge on Leonard and the Clippers two years after his failed attempt to join the Klaw.