Could Kawhi Leonard leave the Los Angeles Clippers?
The future of Kawhi Leonard has been in question since the Los Angeles Clippers failed to make the playoffs this past season, losing to the Golden State Warriors in the first game of the Play-In tournament.
The Clippers got younger in the regular season, trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the deadline.
Harden, 36, was dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland, 26. Zubac, 29, was traded to the Indiana Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin, 24, and Isaiah Jackson, 24. They also ended up with the fifth round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting Keaton Wagler with the pick.
Will The Clippers Keep Kawhi?
With the team moving towards more youth and Kawhi not committing to a contract extension as of now, his name has been in trade rumors.
The Golden State Warriors reportedly tried to acquire Kawhi at the 2026 deadline, but owner Steve Ballmer balked at a deal. With Kawhi not having signed an extension, the reality of dealing him is closer than ever as the team can't afford to go into next season with the possibility of him leaving for nothing next offseason.
According to Jake Fischer in the Stein Line newsletter, Kawhi would consider signing with only two possible teams if he is traded.
“Sources close to the situation tell The Stein Line that, when it comes to potential trade talks, there are only two other teams that Leonard would consider signing an extension with: The two teams he played for before becoming a Clipper. Toronto and San Antonio," wrote Fischer.
Limited Options
Kawhi played for the Spurs from 2011 to 2018, winning an NBA Championship and a Finals MVP.
An injury in the 2017 playoffs changed everything for him and the team as he and the Spurs medical staff never got on the same page regarding his status the following season. He was traded to the Raptors in 2018, where he won another championship and Finals MVP, before signing with the Clippers.
If Kawhi is only willing to sign an extension with two teams, that is going to limit the trade leverage the Clippers would have if there was a larger pool at play. Havibg just gone to the Finals, the Spurs are unlikely to give up any of their young assets to get Kawhi, though De'Aron Fox would have to be included for monetary reasons.
The Raptors might be more willing to take a swing as they try to get over the hump in the East, and would likely include Brandon Ingram, who would be a better fit in LA than Fox, to make the money work.
