In the NBA’s most recent shocking offseason scandal, the Clippers have been accused of circumventing the salary cap to pay Kawhi Leonard more than his standard contract. This is a very serious allegation which could have league-wide ramifications and lead to punishments for both the Clippers and Kawhi. For the Pistons, the most important shockwave may be clearing the ether of potential rival suitors for Malik Beasley.
Joe Smith: Potential Precursor
The last time the NBA had a serious accusation of circumventing the salary cap, the league came down HARD on the offending team. In 2000, the Timberwolves tried to go around the salary cap to secure Joe Smith’s Bird rights and sign him to a big deal. The NBA responded by stripping them of five first-round picks, suspending executives involved and voiding Smith’s contract.
Funnily enough, Smith then signed with the Pistons as a free agent. However, the Pistons should not have any interest in the player at the center of the controversy today. Signing Kawhi Leonard, regardless of the contract value, violates some key principles of the Pistons’ team building.
Namely, Leonard is far too injury prone for the Pistons. He has played just 209 total regular season games in the last 5 seasons. And his health concerns have also plagued him in the playoffs.
Additionally, Leonard has a very ball-dominant playstyle that would interfere with the growth of the Pistons’ youngsters. This potential long-term consequence is not worth a short stint in which Leonard wouldn’t even make the Pistons a championship favorite.
Instead, the Pistons would prefer Malik Beasley on a cheap deal. His injury history is much better than Kawhi’s and his presence would bring continuity to the Pistons. Continuity and chemistry in a positive team environment is an underrated factor for player development.
Importantly, if Leonard’s contract were voided and he was forced to suddenly join the free agency pool, it would attract the attention of many contenders. Teams such as the Cavs and Knicks who have been linked to Beasley would likely be more interested in Leonard.
Even teams with more outside odds at a championship may convince themselves that signing Kawhi for just a year can give them a chance. After all, it worked out for the Raptors once upon a time. Maybe some team in 2026 can reap the benefits of Kawhi finally being healthy enough.
This could clear the way for the Pistons to re-sign Beasley with less stiff competition. Signs are already pointing to him preferring Detroit as his eventual destination, but further developments in the new Kawhi case could make the obvious even clearer.