The proposed deal would swap All-Stars.
The Los Angeles Clippers went 42-40 this season and got knocked out of the play-in tournament by the Golden State Warriors, and now everything about the offseason runs through one question.
What happens with Kawhi Leonard?
The two-time Finals MVP is entering the final year of his contract at just over $50 million, and after the Clippers already shipped James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the deadline, nobody is quite sure where things go from here.
ESPN's Bobby Marks and Zach Kram recently floated an offseason trade framework that would send Leonard north to the Bay Area in exchange for Jimmy Butler III, a lottery-protected 2027 first-round pick and a 2032 first-round pick.
Why the Warriors Want Leonard
Golden State finished 37-45 after Butler tore his ACL on January 19 against the Heat.
He appeared in just 38 games, averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists before the injury shut him down, and the Warriors went 12-26 without him.
Kram wrote that Golden State needs a backup plan to keep their window open while 38-year-old Stephen Curry is still performing at an All-Star level, and he pointed to Leonard as a natural fit with even more upside after the best season of his career.
The numbers back that up. Leonard put up a career-high 27.9 points along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three in 65 games.
Why the Clippers Might Consider It
The Clippers already moved toward youth and cap space when they dealt Harden and Zubac in February.
Leonard turns 35 in late June and has not committed to an extension.
After the play-in loss he told reporters he needed time to process things, which did not inspire confidence in the front office.
If the Clippers believe he might walk for nothing in 2027, moving him now while teams are lining up would bring back draft picks and open the door for a rebuild around Darius Garland.
Why It Might Not Happen
Marks himself said the deal has serious flaws on the Clippers' end.
Butler is coming off a torn ACL and probably will not be back until January or February of next season, and the 2027 first-round pick carries lottery protection that could keep it from ever landing in the Clippers' hands.
He wrote that an injured star, a pick that might not convey and a selection six years out should be a nonstarter for Lawrence Frank.
Frank addressed Leonard's situation in February and said the plan is to keep building with him while acknowledging the roster needs more.
He called Leonard a great partner and said he expects that to continue.
With several teams reportedly interested this summer, the Clippers can afford to hold out for a better package if they decide to part ways.