NBA Trade Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Wants a PG; Clippers Eye Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry

The Los Angeles Clippers have begun their ascent up the Western Conference standings, making them an interesting team to watch ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 9.

Per Matt Moore of the Action Network, Kawhi Leonard has "made it clear to the Clippers' front office that he would welcome a point guard addition" for the stretch run this season.

Moore also noted the Clippers have targeted Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry among their potential options if they make a move.

While either of those players would certainly fit the Clippers' desire for a point guard and both previously played with Leonard, they would probably have to get creative to make a deal happen.

According to Moore, there is "more optimism" around VanVleet being traded than Lowry, because he isn't playing at the same level he did last season and can become a free agent this offseason by declining his $22.8 million player option for 2023-24.

Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reported earlier this month the Raptors are looking for at least two promising players on team-friendly contracts and a draft pick for VanVleet.

It's unclear if that price has changed as the Raptors continue to languish in last place in the Atlantic Division with a 23-28 record.

Lowry could be difficult to move because of his contract and declining performance this season. The 36-year-old is owed $29.7 million in 2023-24, but he's only averaging 12.4 points and 5.4 assists per game with a 40.0 field-goal percentage in 42 starts this season.

If any team should be willing to make a bold move before the deadline, it's the Clippers. They are currently fourth in the Western Conference with a 28-25 record and had won five consecutive games before Sunday's 122-99 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers when Leonard and Paul George sat out.

After a slow start to the season coming off a torn ACL, Leonard has been playing like an All-Star for the past three weeks. He is averaging 29.3 points on 56.7 percent shooting (46.2 percent from three), 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game in 10 starts since Jan. 8.