Kawhi Leonard to Remain With Clippers Despite NBA Trade Rumors After James Harden Deal to Cavs

The Los Angeles Clippers made some major moves by shipping away star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and veteran center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers, but it sounds like they're sticking with their other star.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Clippers "aren't moving" star forward Kawhi Leonard ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.

The Clippers made some new additions by acquiring point guard Darius Garland from the Cavs and swingman Bennedict Mathurin and forward Isaiah Jackson from the Pacers.

Leonard joined the Clippers as part of a tandem with Paul George in 2019. The team eventually added Harden to the mix to create a "Big 3," but they lasted just one season together before George bolted to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024. Shipping Harden to Cleveland leaves Leonard as Los Angeles' only remaining star.

After missing time earlier in the year, Leonard has returned to the court and re-established himself as one of the best two-way players in the league. In his 36 appearances this season, he's averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals. He dropped a career-high 55 points in a win over the Detroit Pistons in December.

The Clippers overcame a tough start to the year and now rank ninth in the Western Conference with a 23-27 record. The burden will now fall on Leonard's shoulders to try to carry the team into the playoffs.

The new-look Clippers will be in action on Friday night in a road matchup against the Sacramento Kings (12-40).