NBA Trade Rumors: 3 players currently being linked with the Los Angeles Clippers

The LA Clippers exited the playoffs last week following a 4-2 series defeat to the Golden State Warriors. Nevertheless, despite their first-round exit, the Clippers have a bright future -- and the team has the resources to add two of the NBA's biggest stars this summer.

The departures of Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Jordan have opened up two-max contract spots on the roster, and after a promising season, the Clippers believe they will be major contenders to sign some of the most in-demand free agents around the league.

So, with the Clippers now throwing all their efforts into the 2019 offseason, here are three All-Stars that could join the team.

#3 Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is looking to lead the Golden State Warriors past the Houston Rockets

Kevin Durant is currently leading the Golden State Warriors' charge for a third-consecutive Championship, however, after three years with the franchise, he is expected to leave Golden State this summer.

The New York Knicks have been earmarked as his most likely destination, although Paolo Uggetti of The Ringer is reporting that the Clippers still remain keen on the All-Star:

Los Angeles will likely try to sign everyone from Kevin Durant to Kyrie Irving to Kemba Walker. But Durant is the crown jewel of the class, and while the Clips can’t offer him the big stage of New York, they can offer a stable franchise that is better positioned to win than, say, a team that finished dead last in the NBA this season.

It’s a tall task, but one that the team’s front office has been preparing for; they sold high on Tobias Harris in the middle of the season ostensibly because they have bigger goals in mind.

#2 Nikola Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic was a major factor in the Orlando Magic reaching the postseason

The LA Clippers are known to be targeting two of the NBA's biggest stars, however, it is more than possible that the team may have to lessen their sights as the summer progresses. Fortunately, there are a number of lesser All-Stars hitting free agency in July, and Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes that the Clippers may turn their attention to Nikola Vucevic:

At the right price, Nikola Vucevic could be a fun sidekick, although the Orlando Magic might be pushed to pay him after they made their first playoff appearance in seven seasons.

Vucevic enjoyed a breakout 18/19 season, averaging 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He was named as the Orlando Magic's first All-Star since Dwight Howard, and he is also expected to attract interest from the Mavericks this summer.

#1 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is expected to exit the Toronto Raptors this summer

Kawhi Leonard is currently starring for the Toronto Raptors as they look to end their long wait to win a championship, but the All-Star's future with the franchise remains in serious doubt.

Leonard has refused to offer any assurances that he will sign a long-term deal in Toronto, and Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report is reporting that the Clippers lead the pack to secure the 27-year-old's signature:

One former player said Leonard’s teammates expect him to leave for Los Angeles after the season, although he didn’t specify which franchise. Outside of a few who suggest Leonard might choose the Lakers, it seems almost everyone around the league (dating back to last July) believes Leonard will join the Clippers instead.

Leonard has already helped the Raptors advance past the Orlando Magic, although his 45 point performance against the Sixers was perhaps his most impressive in a Raptors jersey to date. Ultimately, he is widely believed to be the man that the Clippers want to lead the team, and there is no doubting that his arrival could help to transform the team into contenders.