A blockbuster offseason NBA trade proposal sending Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Golden State Warriors has been created.
In a column titled “The Perfect 2026 Offseason Trade for Every NBA Team,” Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed a trade between the Clippers and Warriors.
Breaking Down The Kawhi Leonard Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F Jimmy Butler, SG Brandin Podziemski, 2026 first-round pick (projected No. 12 overall)
The Clippers are no longer a championship contender after trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers at this year’s NBA trade deadline. Leonard turns 35 in June and is better suited to play for a contender at this stage of his career. The talented swingman will make $50.3 million next season in the final year of his contract.
This NBA trade proposal pairs Leonard with Warriors legends Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Golden State could re-sign Kristaps Porziņģis this offseason in unrestricted free agency to create a lethal “Big 4” of Curry, Leonard, Porziņģis and Green.
Leonard is a two-time champion, two-time Finals MVP and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was named a top 75 player of all time in 2021. The California native holds career averages of 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.6 blocks per game with the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Clippers.
The Clippers signed Leonard in the offseason of 2019. Leonard’s stint with LAC has been disappointing, as the franchise hasn’t reached the NBA Finals and Leonard hasn’t been able to stay healthy.
Leonard is putting up MVP numbers this season, proving that he’s still a title swinger. He’s averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 50.1% from the field, 37.8% from beyond the arc and 89.7% from the free-throw line.
It will be intriguing to see where Leonard is playing next season. He will most likely not be on the Clippers since the team is rebuilding.
Curry has one year left on his contract with the Warriors after this season. The four-time NBA champion expects Golden State to go star shopping this offseason. It will be fascinating to see if the Warriors pursue a trade for Leonard again.
