Two NBA Teams Are Reportedly Eyeing Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard

The Los Angeles Clippers were led by Kawhi Leonard to the 2026 Play-In Tournament after a slow start to the season. Throughout the start of the season, Kawhi missed significant time due to injuries, and his absence was very noticeable. 

The Clippers started the season 6-21 and were losing hope of turning things around as they dug themselves into a hole early. Once Leonard came back, things changed. After the All-Star break, the team found its groove, making a push towards the playoffs and landing in the Play-In Tournament. 

Leonard looked like his usual self and finished the season on a high note. Kawhi averaged 27.9 points per game on 50.6 percent shooting from the field. He also hit multiple clutch shots throughout the course of the season and looked like the true leader of the team. 

This offseason, the Clippers will need to make a decision on whether or not they'll want to keep him around in hopes of making a deeper postseason run. Leonard's value is higher than ever, making him the franchise's biggest asset. 

Sam Amick of The Athletic reports that there are two teams that could be interested in making a move for Leonard this offseason: the Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors. 

"League sources also confirmed a report from NBA reporter Jake Fischer that the LA Clippers' Kawhi Leonard is on the Heat's Plan B list (or the Golden State Warriors' Plan A list)," Amick reported. 

"The issue around the league is that no one seems to know if Leonard is available. Or, for that matter, if the NBA's never-ending investigation into the Clippers' alleged salary cap circumvention with Leonard might be an issue for any team that takes him on when it comes to possible discipline."

If Leonard is available for trade, both teams could suit him well. Miami has been in need of a veteran player to be a reliable first option alongside Bam Adebayo since Jimmy Butler III was moved elsewhere. 

Leonard could fill that role, and the rest of the team could thrive off his leadership. The Heat are a team with a similar roster structure as the Clippers and could see similar success. 

The Golden State Warriors could also be a good fit. This is a team with aging veterans looking to make one last push for a championship, and Kawhi Leonard fits this roster well. Leonard would assume the role Jimmy Butler III had on the team before his ACL tear.

Kawhi and Stephen Curry could be a handful to contain on offense, and they could see success in the postseason if they are healthy. The Clippers will be asked about Leonard's availability at some point this offseason, and they will have to decide whether or not they'll want to keep him.