The 2025-26 NBA regular season has wrapped up for some teams and, while others are in the postseason business, others will be evaluating what the offseason could be like.
Among such teams are the Golden State Warriors, who endured a campaign defined by injuries and missed opportunities.
All hope is not yet lost. The Warriors’ front office will engage in critical decisions to keep the competitive window open. Trade rumors are heating up, and one proposed blockbuster catches the eye.
Golden State Warriors and L.A. Clippers Share Common Ground
The Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers have their play in tournament exits as the only connection between them in terms of what they had in common. However, that connection can get much more interesting this coming window.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
It has been an injury-plagued year for the Warriors. Jimmy Butler’s season ended in January when he tore his right ACL; Steph Curry missed a chunk of games as well before the play-ins.
The Warriors were down bad with those two superstars absent and what was clear was that they needed a strong presence in the frontline.
ESPN analyst Bobby Marks recently outlined a framework that could send Kawhi Leonard to the Bay Area while giving the Clippers a veteran scorer and future assets in return. Both franchises are prioritizing immediate contention pieces over long-term youth.
“Leonard would be a strong fit as a Butler replacement, with even higher upside after the best regular season of his career,” Marks wrote. “The salaries of the two stars match well enough that no other player would need to be included in this deal.”
According to the proposed deal, the Warriors have been keen on adding Leonard to the fold more than any other team. Curry is looking very likely to remain for at least next season, which means their win-now window will remain active.
However, their biggest headache has been their salary cap space hence the need to move out a big-earning superstar for one to come in.
What the Clippers Could Do Next
At first glance, it seems the Clippers will receive the short end of the stick with this deal. Butler is 36 and is still injured, while Leonard is coming off one of his strongest regular seasons in recent memory and he offers a high-upside replacement with elite two-way ability.
However, in year six of the Leonard era in the Clippers, there hasn’t been anything to show in terms of success. They will gain Butler’s veteran presence and two future first-round selections. His expensive contract with Golden State runs out after next season.
The injury he suffered will sideline him for a while, likely missing a good number of games in the first few months of the season.
The Clippers will use this injury as leverage to siphon value if they let go of Leonard.
“Considering Butler is out indefinitely, the Clippers certainly would want the top-14 protection removed from the 2027 first-round pick or amended,” Marks wrote.
Both Leonard and Butler won’t be the only headliners in the offseason, however, a possible switch from the Bay Area to L.A. and vice versa will keep fans on their toes.
Jimmy Butler Trade Proposal Swaps Warriors Star for Kawhi Leonard