DHJ Quick Take: Clippers Face Looming Kawhi Leonard Trade Dilemma
- Extension or Trade Horizon: Kawhi Leonard could find himself on the trade block if the Los Angeles Clippers fail to secure him to a contract extension.
- Warriors Keeping Close Tabs: The Golden State Warriors remain highly aggressive in their pursuit, keeping a close eye on the situation after previously attempting to pull off a blockbuster deal for the veteran forward at the February trade deadline.
- Ownership Resistance: Despite growing external pressure and league-wide belief that Los Angeles should pivot and move the star, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has reportedly maintained a firm, unyielding stance against trading Leonard.
Kawhi Leonard could be traded this offseason if the Los Angeles Clippers don’t sign him to an extension, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Leonard, who doesn’t have a no-trade clause, has one year left on his contract. He will make $50.3 million next season.
The Golden State Warriors remain interested in trading for Leonard, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal. Golden State tried to acquire Leonard at the February trade deadline.
While many people believe the Clippers should trade Leonard, owner Steve Ballmer has maintained a firm stance against trading the forward, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN.
Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this past season. The swingman played in 65 games, the most games he’s appeared in since the 2023-24 season, but the Clippers missed the playoffs after losing to the Warriors in the 9-10 play-in game at home.
A future Hall of Famer, Leonard has played for the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Clippers. He holds career averages of 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in the regular season and 21.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in the playoffs.
Leonard has been traded once in his career. San Antonio traded him to Toronto in 2018. The Raptors won the 2019 championship against the Warriors in six games, with Leonard winning Finals MVP.
Leonard is a two-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time All-Star. He turns 35 on June 29. The California native signed with the Clippers in 2019 in free agency. LAC has never reached the NBA Finals in franchise history despite having Leonard, Paul George, James Harden and Russell Westbrook suit up for the team. The Leonard era with the Clippers has been very disappointing.
It will be intriguing to see if the Clippers trade or keep Leonard, who has been interviewed by NBA investigators as part of the ongoing investigation into allegations that LAC circumvented the salary cap to compensate him.
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