Lou Williams shared his thoughts about Kawhi Leonard's current contract and how it affects the Clippers.
The Los Angeles Clippers are fresh out of one of the most pivotal drafts in franchise history. The team picked in the top 5 for the first time since 2009, when they selected Blake Griffin with the No. 1 pick. The Clippers drafted Keaton Wagler with the fifth pick of the draft and are now building a core for the future.
The Clippers are coming off a season in which they just missed the playoffs, losing in the Play-In Tournament after a 42-40 season that had many ups and downs. The team started a slow 6-21, but it was star player Kawhi Leonard who got them out of that hole and helped bring them back to compete for a playoff spot.
Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesLos Angeles made multiple moves this past season to get younger as a roster, trading away Ivica Zubac and James Harden for younger players. Kawhi Leonard, 34, could be looking for an extension this summer, but with the way the franchise is heading, he may not get that extension.
Leonard could be asked to take a pay cut to stay with the team, and former Clippers guard Lou Williams doesn't believe he will be willing to take one.
Williams brought up the fact that Kawhi is a player who has seen it all and done it all in his NBA career. At 34 years old, he doesn't have time to wait around on the Clippers to make more moves in hopes that they can build a roster that can win a championship.
What Will Kawhi Do?
If Leonard refuses to take the pay cut, he could look to request a trade from the Clippers. Kawhi is still playing at a high level as he made his seventh career All-NBA team in 2025-2026, and there could be multiple contending teams looking to trade for him.
If Kawhi chooses to go through with a trade request, the Boston Celtics could be a team to watch as a potential suitor. This is a team that was ready to give up Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and if Kawhi becomes available, they could be ready to do it all over again.
Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesThe Celtics are a team that has been trying to find its way back to the NBA Finals after big injuries and a disappointing first-round loss to the 76ers.
Kawhi Leonard has some options on what he can do this offseason, and he could be wearing a new uniform come October.
