Despite the hot streak after a disappointing start to the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Los Angeles Clippers had a surprising approach to the trade deadline.
Instead of continuing to build around Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers dealt away the guard and the center. Harden was swapped out for Darius Garland from the Cleveland Cavaliers, while Zubac was moved for a package centered on Indiana Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin. The Clippers went younger around the 34-year-old Leonard.
When Zubac was moved, many wondered if Leonard could be next. While the Clippers aren't guaranteed to miss the postseason, their championship odds took a hit as they made clear moves for the future. Teams tried-the Clippers made sure they wouldn't succeed.
"Obviously, teams were calling and were trying to see if they could pry Kawhi away," the NBA Insider Chris Haynes reported. "I was told that the Clippers never reached the point where anything was serious. They never even contacted Kawhi."
Since Leonard signed with the Clippers in 2019, it was clear the franchise valued him highly and saw him as the face of the club. Years later, nothing changed. The Clippers remain all-in with Leonard, but time will tell if they will change their stance or not.
"As far as Kawhi goes, he's extension-eligible himself. He has one year left on his deal," Hayned added. "I was told from Kawhi's camp that they are not in any rush to try and initiate any extension talks or talking into the future. Kawhi's focus is on finishing this season strong, and then in the summer, they will assess where things stand."
One has to assume that Leonard will want his next deal done as soon as possible. Considering his age and injury history, along with his value remaining high amid an impressive season, it would be best for business if Kawhi's camp pushed for a new deal. If the star forward can't get there, then there's a chance the Clippers complete the core reset by parting ways with Leonard.
For the time being, both parties want to see it through, even with major changes in play. In 37 games this season, Leonard has made 49 percent of his shots from the field and drained 39 percent of his threes to produce 27.6 points per game. He is also averaging 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
Following Friday's win over the Sacramento Kings, the Clippers advanced to 24-27. They managed to climb out of a two-game hole since making major changes. They continue to work on maintaining a spot in the NBA Play-In tournament currently.
Newsweek