Could Kawhi be on the move?
The Los Angeles Clippers finished the 2025-26 season at 42-40 and got bounced from the play-in tournament by the Golden State Warriors, and now the biggest question hanging over the franchise is what happens with Kawhi Leonard.
The two-time Finals MVP is entering the final year of his deal, which will pay him $50.3 million in 2026-27, and he is eligible for a two-year extension this summer.
At 34, his trade value will probably never be higher, and this offseason could shape everything that comes next in Inglewood.
Leonard played 65 games this season, his second-highest total since 2017, and he averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 50.5 percent from the field.
It was arguably the best individual season of his career.
President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank has said the plan is to win with Leonard, but with the team already shipping out James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the deadline, the direction of the franchise feels uncertain.
If the two sides cannot agree on an extension this summer, expect the trade talk to heat up fast.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors went 37-45 this season and were knocked out in the second round of the play-in by the Phoenix Suns, so the urgency to make a move is real.
ESPN reported that Golden State nearly pulled off a deal for Leonard at the deadline before the Clippers backed out, and the expectation is that the Warriors will come calling again.
Pairing Leonard with Stephen Curry, who was still putting up 26.6 points per game at 37, would give Golden State a championship-level duo and a reason to think they can get one more title run before the window closes.
Miami Heat
The Heat finished 43-39 and missed the playoffs after falling in the play-in tournament to the Charlotte Hornets, and Pat Riley's squad is desperate for a star to pair with Bam Adebayo.
Miami is reportedly chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, but if that falls through, Leonard becomes their Plan B.
The Heat have a lottery pick in this loaded 2026 draft along with Tyler Herro and Kel'el Ware as trade chips, giving them the type of young talent and draft capital the Clippers would want in return.
Leonard would immediately give Miami a proven closer and a two-way presence they have lacked since Jimmy Butler left.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers went 53-29, won the Pacific Division title and are currently in the first round of the playoffs, so this one would be a true blockbuster between crosstown rivals.
LeBron James and Austin Reaves are both set to become free agents, and the Lakers could theoretically trade for Leonard while bringing back their own guys.
It is also entirely possible that the hammer also comes down from the Aspiration investigation and Kawhi's contract is voided entirely, which then opens up an easier path for the Lakers.
The Clippers would hate sending their franchise player across town, but if Leonard pushes for it because he wants to stay in Southern California, his leverage with an expiring deal could force their hand.