The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly preparing to explore a trade for Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason. Leonard will turn 35 in June and is set to earn $50.3 million next season, which marks the final year of his current deal.
“Since the Clippers are no longer a championship contender after trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers at this year’s trade deadline, many people around the NBA expect Leonard and LAC’s brass to work together on a trade this offseason, sources said,” Ahn Fire Digital’s Ashish Mathur wrote in his article.
Kawhi Leonard’s future hangs in the balance as the NBA closes its investigation into the Aspiration case. The Los Angeles Clippers are accused of circumventing the salary cap in dealings involving Leonard and his uncle, Dennis. The league alleges the team funneled millions to Kawhi through a fake tree-planting company, payments that allegedly bypassed the cap. Paperwork reportedly ties Clippers executives directly to Aspiration, which issued exclusive no-show contracts for Leonard.
If the league rules against them, the Los Angeles Clippers could face fines, lose draft picks, or even have Kawhi Leonard’s contract voided. Depending on the outcome, Leonard could soon hit the market, making him one of the most high profile and lucrative additions in the NBA offseason. For a Milwaukee Bucks searching for ways to rebuild around Giannis Antetokounmpo, Leonard could offer a chance to change the team’s window.
Kawhi Leonard’s fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks
Feb 2, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Kawhi Leonard (2) attempts a dunk against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports (NBA RUmors, NBA News)
When healthy, Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting up 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 9.7 blocks per game while shooting 64.5 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three. He is doing everything he can to carry the Bucks into the playoffs, but the challenges of a difficult season have tested his patience.
The Greek Freak came close to being traded at the deadline before the Bucks ultimately held onto him, and his name is expected to resurface this summer as multiple teams prepare to make a major push. If Milwaukee truly wants to keep him, bringing in a player of Kawhi Leonard’s caliber could go a long way toward persuading him to stay.
Mar 29, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Even at 34, The Klaw remains a formidable two-way force, averaging 28.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three. His next team could reshape the NBA landscape for years, though it is still unclear whether he would have any interest in joining the Bucks.