How Western Conference playoff picture looks after Kawhi Leonard's decision

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Editor's note: Grant Liffmann (@grantliffmann) is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders, which airs on NBC Sports Bay Area 90 minutes before each home game and 60 minutes after every game. Each week, Grant will drop his Outsider Observation on the state of the Dubs.

NBA Free Agency hit a whole new level of mayhem Friday night when Kawhi Leonard shocked the world and signed with the Clippers while bringing along Paul George with him (via trade). Once Leonard signed, the free agent dam broke and players now are flying off the shelves.

[RELATED: Warriors should feel no regret about Boogie experiment]

With all the craziness going on, here is my current look at the Western Conference playoff picture (as of 2:30 pm PT on July 6).

1. Los Angeles Clippers: Not only can they score, but they can also lock you down as well. A combo of Leonard, George and Patrick Beverly on that end will be terrifying for opponents.

2. LA Lakers: They are starting to fill out their team with nice pieces to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis. I especially liked the Danny Green signing (even though it was expensive).

3. Utah Jazz: Their starting five can shoot and defend, but when it comes to crunch time, who on their team is going to take over?

4. Golden State Warriors: If Klay Thompson were healthy the whole season, they would be ranked higher. But a healthy season of Steph Curry, Draymond Green and D'Angelo Russell should not be overlooked.

5. Denver Nuggets: They are young and they only are getting better. There is no reason to believe they will fall off much after finishing second in the West last season.

6. Houston Rockets: Houston kept their same team together that played very well the second half of the year, and we all know what James Harden can do in the regular season.

7. San Antonio Spurs: They get their up-and-coming point guard Dejounte Murray back from injury, and they added nice veterans like DeMarre Carroll and Marcus Morris.

8. Portland Trail Blazers: They consistently have been a great regular season team and adding Kent Bazemore and Hassan Whiteside should help them make the playoffs yet again.

Next in line: Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings

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