The New York Knicks got closer to winning the Finals last season than they had ever come in the recent past. But while they are set to bring back all of their top players from last year for 2025-26, a major shakeup can’t be ruled out.
The Knicks did it last year, sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns, so another big trade shouldn’t come as a surprise.
While the move to add Kawhi Leonard might sound outlandish, he would be the perfect piece to bring in if the Knicks want someone who can bring valuable championship experience. Writing for Fadeaway World, Eddie Bitar wrote that New York trading for Leonard would greatly improve their title hopes.
“It could be feasible that New York is ready to swing for the fences in a blockbuster trade that could redefine the franchise’s championship window,” Bitar wrote on a potential Leonard trade.
Leonard is currently under an investigation surrounding the question of whether he and Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer were involved in circumventing the salary cap. Podcaster and insider Pablo Torre released documents showing Leonard was being paid for a ‘no-show‘ job by a company called Aspiration, which has now led the NBA league office to open an inquiry.
Leonard To The Knicks Trade Pitch
Leonard heading to New York would shock the NBA world, let alone the fact that it would likely come amid the salary cap circumvention investigation. Here’s what a full trade would look like if the Knicks ever take the risk to add the two-time Finals MVP.
New York Knicks Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, 2031 first-round pick (LAC)
Though past his prime, he would arrive on the Knicks as a dominant two-way player with the ability to free up space for Jalen Brunson and Towns to get open shots. Leonard does have a less-than-stellar injury history, but at his peak, he is one of the premier wing players in the NBA.
The New York Knicks would instantly transform into one of the most formidable starting lineups in the Eastern Conference by acquiring Kawhi Leonard,” Bitar wrote.
Trading two key pieces and a first-round pick for Leonard might sound like a big haul, but they offered a similarly-sized package for Mikal Bridges. He would instantly turn them into a title favorite, but it would drastically change the look and play style of the team under new head coach Mike Brown.
“Kawhi’s presence elevates New York from a talented playoff team into a legitimate Finals contender, giving them the star power necessary to compete with any Eastern powerhouse,” Bitar added. Kawhi’s two-way dominance (when healthy) is precisely what the Knicks have lacked in previous postseason runs.
However, it would mean sending away Anunoby and Robinson, two crucial players for the Knicks over the past few seasons. Like Leonard, both provide value on both sides of the floor, but with one on an expiring deal, it could prove to be a smart move if New York wants to prioritize winning now.
No-Brainer Trade For The Clippers
For the Clippers, it has been a failed experiment with Leonard. His injuries aside, the team hasn’t been at that top-tier of contenders since his first season in Los Angeles. They’ve tried different roster and star combinations, but in the end, Leonard just hasn’t had the same magic he did with the Spurs and Raptors.
Sending the star to New York could also relieve some pressure from Torre’s reporting and the ensuing microscope on the team. The Clippers are in danger of serious consequences from the league if found guilty of violating NBA rules, and every day Leonard stays with the team draws even more attention to the situation.
For the Los Angeles Clippers, parting ways with Kawhi Leonard signals the beginning of a new chapter, both on and off the court,” Bitar wrote from L.A.’s perspective on the proposed trade. “By moving Leonard, the front office can focus on a more sustainable path forward without the uncertainty that had accompanied their superstar, giving them freedom to pursue emerging free agents and reshape the team culture.”
Along with shifting focus away from the Leonard and Ballmer investigation and allowing them to fully develop a new roster, this trade pitch would send valuable Knicks players to the Clippers. Anunoby is still a top two-way player, and Robinson would come in as a formidable rim-protector.
For any trade involving Leonard, Los Angeles would likely get back a decently sized package in return. After the recent reports and allegations, sending Leonard elsewhere might be the best move for a franchise now under extreme scrutiny.
Knicks Mock Trade Sends $212M Star For Polarizing Finals MVP