With only one season left on his contract, Kawhi Leonard is widely expected to be traded by the LA Clippers this offseason as the Steve Ballmer-owned franchise prepares to hit the reset button and rebuild the roster. The developing story spells good news for the Golden State Warriors, who reportedly pursued a deal for the two-time Finals MVP at this year’s trade deadline.
According to The Athletic’s Law Murray, the Clippers plan to cut ties with everyone on their roster save for head coach Tyronn Lue and two-time All-Star Darius Garland.
“Lue is under contract through 2029. Garland is the Clippers’ new point guard of the future. They’re not going anywhere, a league source told The Athletic.
“Everything else is less clear,” Murray wrote.
The report added that Leonard’s contract is not expected to be voided at the conclusion of the NBA’s investigation into the Aspiration scandal. However, the Clippers haven’t ruled out the idea of exploring a trade for the future Hall of Famer.
Warriors Trade Target: Kawhi Leonard
The prospect of a Kawhi Leonard trade to the Warriors picked up more steam Thursday after the LA Clippers were eliminated by Stephen Curry and Co. from postseason contention. Per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Warriors plan to pursue Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James this offseason to pair with Curry.
“They’re gonna get back in the mix for Giannis, right back in the mix for Kawhi Leonard, and also LeBron… Name an aging star out there who might be available, I think the Warriors will try,” Shelburne told 95.7 The Game on Wednesday.
“…They’re relatively predictable. They’ll keep taking swings,” added the insider.
Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard also reported this month that the Warriors will once again pursue Leonard this offseason.
“…Multiple league sources indicated this week that the Warriors were reasonably close to trading for Kawhi Leonard last February — apparently with much of the deal terms generally agreed to — before the Clippers ultimately decided to pull out of the talks.
Kawhi Leonard, Warriors Mutual Respect
“…Leonard’s name continues to be connected to possible Warriors moves — either in continuing trade talks or, as many around the league are speculating, if Leonard’s remaining contract with the Clippers is voided after the investigation into salary-cap circumvention.”
Some Warriors stars and Leonard expressed mutual admiration for each other after their play-in game on Wednesday, further fueling trade rumors.
“Draymond, Hall of Fame defender,” Leonard said after being shut down by Kawhi Leonard in the fourth quarter of his team’s 126-121 loss.
“It was hard to even get shots up.”
Green returned the favor.
“It’s an honor to play against a great all-time great like Kawhi Leonard. He’s a special, special player and he’s a worker,” Green said after the game.
“I got the utmost respect for Kawhi Leonard. I appreciate playing against the all-time greats and Kawhi Leonard is one of the greatest our league has seen.”
Curry also had a lot of praise for Leonard in the lead-up to Wednesday’s game.
[Kawhi] always brings the best out of you,” Curry said.
Curry, 38, acknowledged that he, Leonard, 34, and Green, 36, are among the aging stars who share a mutual respect for still performing at a high level.
“…There is an appreciation, respect and just an admiration for what we’re all able to still be doing at this level.”
Warriors Get Good News on Potential Kawhi Leonard Trade