Former Clipper credits Kawhi Leonard, not James Harden for team’s resurgence

Nic Batum was part of the trade that sent James Harden to the L.A. Clippers earlier this season. The veteran wing was in his fourth season with the franchise. However, Batum’s $11M salary was a core part of the salary-matching in the package to acquire the former MVP. 

The Clippers currently sit fourth in the Western Conference with a 44-25 record. Harden has received significant praise throughout the season as he has flashed his upside as both a scorer and a playmaker. But Batum believes Kawhi Leonard’s return to fitness has been the biggest swing factor for Ty Lue’s team.

“They moved on for a very good player and I understand the business side because I’m just a role player,” Batum told ClutchPoints’ Tom Azarly. “He’s a very, very good player. He brought something different for sure, but they’re very good this year because Kawhi is back to where he was. I think that’s what made that fit so good. He is back to Kawhi. And when Kawhi is Kawhi, whoever you want to be around you is going to be interesting anyway.”

Leonard has played in 63 games this season. He’s averaging 23.8 points, six rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, shooting 52.7% from the floor and 42.4% from three-point range. As expected, he’s among the better wing defenders in the NBA. 

With Leonard fully healthy and Paul George making an impact, the Clippers are among the front-runners to contend for the NBA championship. Batum’s departure certainly hurt the Clippers’ depth. However, it gave them another future Hall of Fame talent to lean on. They would make that deal 10 out of 10 times. 

It doesn’t matter which member of Los Angeles’ roster has spurred on their strong season. All that matters is that their current production continues into the playoffs.