NBA player for the Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard with the Warriors logo in the background
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.
The Golden State Warriors reportedly expressed interest in trading for LA Clippers' Kawhi Leonard ahead of last season's trade deadline. Amid the NBA's investigation into Leonard's shady endorsement deals this summer, the Warriors' approach to a potential deal with the Clippers wasn't considered before LA reached a deal with the Toronto Raptors.
As the NBA world awaits the final verdict of Leonard and the Clippers reportedly circumventing the salary cap, the investigation most likely scared off the Warriors, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater.
“The Warriors were really into the Kawhi Leonard trade idea at the trade deadline last February. They were less into that idea this summer,” Slater said. “Part of it is the Kawhi extension. Kawhi, clearly, in a lot of ways, wanted to direct himself to Toronto. I think we would both agree that was part of the trade complexity. But also, I think started to be sniffing around the league of this idea that maybe there was punishment heading Kawhi’s way, and I think that might have warded off some suitors.”
Anthony Slater on teams backing off from trading for Kawhi Leonard:
“I think started to be sniffing around the league of this idea that maybe there was punishment heading Kawhi’s way, and I think that might have warded off some suitors.” pic.twitter.com/3ZKGLO5Es8
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) August 12, 2026
After reporter Pablo Torre exposed the endorsement deal between Leonard and Aspiration last season, he uncovered there was a second company — Daktronics — that had a similar deal with the former Clippers forward. While the NBA hasn't announced a punishment for Leonard or the Clippers, it has put a stop to making the trade official until further notice.
Kawhi Leonard's feelings on Clippers-Raptors trade
While some believe that former Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard's trade to the Raptors will go through before the start of the 2026-27 season, the seven-time All-Star is gearing up for his return to Toronto.
Leonard is prepared to wear the Raptors' uniform seven years removed from leading them to their first championship in 2019, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
“Leonard, sources say, strongly believes that the trade will ultimately go through, enabling him to rejoin the Raptors in time for training camp,” Fischer wrote. “The trade was agreed to, sources say, with the idea that the 35-year-old would also negotiate a multiyear extension with Toronto to extend the reunion beyond the coming season. Leonard is due to earn $50.3 million in 2026-27 in the final year of his current contract.”
Leonard was crowned Finals MVP in his lone season with the Raptors.