A Warriors insider suggests the team should prioritize signing Kawhi Leonard in free agency rather than pursuing a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

After a season with frustrated expectations due to injuries and setbacks, the Warriors are looking to bolster their roster. Stephen Curry's injury derailed the Warriors' hopes last year, and Jimmy Butler's injury in January also affected their title aspirations.

While there was speculation about a possible trade for Antetokounmpo, analyst Tim Kawakami believes Leonard is a more sensible option.

Kawakami proposes that the Warriors sign Leonard in free agency, instead of seeking a trade. This could be possible due to rumors about the possible cancellation of his contract with the Clippers due to questionable practices during his signing.

The Warriors' plan to sign Leonard involves two key steps. First, reduce the salary mass below the luxury tax threshold. This would involve renegotiating key contracts and managing the salary situation efficiently.

Second, try to convince Leonard to join the team using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Although it is not a guarantee, this option would allow adding a high-impact player to a team with championship potential if it is fully healthy.

To achieve this, the team would need to get below the first luxury tax threshold.

The team has six players signed for next season, including Butler and Moses Moody. The analyst suggests that they should try to sign Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis with moderate two-year contracts, to reduce the salary mass.

Then, the salary of the player they get in the first round of the NBA draft would be added, which would leave them below the luxury tax threshold.

The second part of the plan is to try to convince Leonard to join the team with a non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $15 million.

Kawakami admits that it is not a guarantee, but it is the best option to add a high-impact player with championship potential.

This plan would require a bit of luck, but the Warriors' roster and the possibility of having a draft star could attract Leonard, especially if he wants to stay in California and seek another championship.

NBA expert Bill Simmons offered several reasons why a trade for Antetokounmpo would be a bad idea for the Warriors.

The Warriors' strategy is based on financial flexibility and the ability to persuade to attract Leonard.

The success of this plan will depend on the team's ability to manage its salary situation and convince Leonard to join their ranks.