Kawhi Leonard called Kevin Durant and asked him to consider joining Leonard on the Los Angeles Clippers days before the opening of free agency, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.

Leonard discussed how they would fit together as teammates, telling Durant that he admired and respected him as a competitor.

Durant was flattered and stunned by the call as he didn't have a close relationship with Leonard, sources told ESPN.

Durant would join Kyrie Irving with the Nets on the first day of free agency. Leonard then turned his attention to recruiting Paul George following a meeting with the Clippers last Monday.

George was also said to be surprised by Leonard's recruitment. George recognized playing with Leonard as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and asked Sam Presti for a trade.

George was traded to the Clippers on Friday night.