Throughout his career, the perception of Los Angeles Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard has continued to change. From a role player to a key cog in San Antonio to a franchise-shifter in Toronto, Leonard’s on-court play continues to be his defining characteristic.
The rather quiet Leonard earned a reputation as an elite defender, willing passer, and clutch shooter. In Toronto, he proved to be the difference as the Raptors raised their first championship trophy in team history.
NBA Insider Believes Clippers SF Kawhi Leonard Will Remain with Team
This success led him to Los Angeles, where he played for one of his hometown teams. Now, as questions mount about his future, an NBA insider provides insight into what lies ahead for the 34-year-old, the Clippers’ cornerstone player and most valuable trade chip.
After averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last year, the veteran forward remains the focal point of the Clippers organization. However, following a 42-40 season and with Leonard turning 35 at the end of this month, the front office faces questions about whether to trade their star for draft capital and players.
As those discussions arose, the idea of acquiring Leonard also emerged further north in the Bay Area, where ESPN’s Anthony Slater explored the trade possibility.
“The Warriors checked in on Leonard in the days leading up to the February trade deadline, as sources told ESPN in the aftermath. The LA Clippers, team sources said, engaged to a greater degree than in the past, but they ultimately returned to the Warriors with the same answer: Team owner Steve Ballmer said no.”
In attempting to improve their championship odds, Golden State inquired about Leonard’s availability but were firmly declined by the Clippers. The Warriors sought Leonard to bolster their roster for another title run after missing the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. With point guard Steph Curry nearing the end of his career, Golden State viewed adding Leonard as a way to extend their competitive window.
To further examine the situation, Slater discussed the trade market, drawing a parallel to LeBron James, who is a free agent. He explained a major difference between the two players’ situations.
“Leonard, unlike James, would cost a mix of players and future draft capital and would presumably require a large-scale extension off his current $50.3 million expiring deal, making it a greater long-term gamble.”
To acquire Leonard, the Warriors would likely need to trade multiple key roster players, potentially leaving only Curry and Draymond Green. Additionally, any such trade would hinge on negotiating an extension for Leonard. Despite initial interest from multiple teams, Slater indicates that an actual trade is unlikely at this time.
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“But team sources continue to indicate he’s the type of established wing talent they would pursue in a win-now maneuver, depending on the price point. The problem: League sources said Ballmer has maintained a firm stance against a Leonard trade, preferring to continue building around his star forward.”
During last season, Los Angeles engaged in a mini-rebuild, shipping guard James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland. In addition, the Clippers secured the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft, trading away center Ivica Zubac and forward Kobe Brown to the Indiana Pacers. With a Top 5 pick and payroll flexibility, the Clippers could build around Leonard, in hopes of competing.