NBA rivals are questioning whether the Los Angeles Clippers would really trade Kawhi Leonard, with growing skepticism around any potential deal. Leonard is entering the final year of his contract, making any trade complicated due to his short-term status and free agency in 2027. Despite ongoing speculation and past trade talks, many around the league doubt the Clippers, led by Steve Ballmer, will actually move the star forward.
Questions are growing across the NBA about whether the Los Angeles Clippers would actually consider trading their star forward Kawhi Leonard this offseason.
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard
MIN: 32.2
PTS: 27.79 (60.06%)
REB: 6.35
AS: 3.59
ST: 1.83
BL: 0.41
TO: 2.09
GM: 66
According to The Athletic, rival teams around the league are increasingly skeptical that a real trade involving Leonard will happen, even as speculation continues to circulate.
Another key factor is the belief among rival executives that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer may not be willing to move on from Leonard at all, despite ongoing speculation.
Leonard remains one of the most discussed names in the NBA trade market, but his contract situation makes any potential deal complicated.
He is entering the final year of his contract worth 50.3 million dollars for the 2026-27 season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Credit AP - Scanpix
Leonard's future has already become one of the biggest talking points in the NBA heading into the offseason.
The Clippers did explore trade scenarios before the deadline, even after extending James Harden and Ivica Zubac, but ultimately decided to keep their core together.
On the court, Leonard continues to perform at an elite level when healthy. He was named to the All NBA Second Team after averaging 27.9 points on 50.5 percent shooting, along with 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals across 65 games.
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