Kawhi Leonard attempted to recruit Kyrie Irving
One of the first moves announced during free agency was Kyrie Irving's decision to leave the Celtics for the Nets. The 27-year-old was believed to be keen on a return to the franchise that he supported as a child, and Irving also managed to convince Kevin Durant to join him in Brooklyn.
However, according to a report from ESPN's Zach Lowe, Kawhi Leonard attempted to convince Irving to join him in Los Angeles with the Clippers:
The league's quietest superstar 'found his voice' as one executive put it. He recruited George, Durant and even Kyrie Irving at points, sources say.
While Leonard failed to recruit Irving, the Finals MVP eventually convinced Paul George to request a trade from the Thunder. The Nets and Clippers are now on a potential collision course, with both teams arguably boasting the best duo in each respective conference.