Golden State Warriors made a late-season trade push for Kawhi Leonard, according to NBA insider Marc Stein on The Stein Line Sunday, March 29. The team attempted the move before the Feb. 5 trade deadline after the Clippers sent Ivica Zubac to Indiana, creating a belief Leonard might be available. The Clippers ultimately declined the offer, but Stein noted it is likely the Warriors will revisit a potential deal this offseason.
Leonard, 34, is in the second year of his three-year, $149 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He has played 59 games this season, averaging 28.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 50.3% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range. His performance has kept the Clippers competitive, and they hold a 39-36 record, placing them eighth in the Western Conference playoff race.
Golden State has faced significant roster challenges this season, with injuries sidelining key players. Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, Al Horford, and Will Richard have all missed extended time due to knee, heel, or calf issues. The Warriors sit at 36-39, 23 games behind the top seed in the West.
Adding Leonard would give the Warriors a proven star capable of complementing Curry and Butler, potentially improving their scoring and defensive presence. Leonard’s ability to stretch the floor and play lockdown defense would address gaps exposed during Golden State’s injury-plagued season.
The Clippers’ recent trade activity, including moving Zubac, suggests flexibility in future roster decisions. However, any deal for Leonard would require significant assets, as he remains a cornerstone for Los Angeles. Golden State would likely need to include young talent such as Podziemski or draft considerations to secure a trade.