New Kawhi, Giannis Trade Rumors Reveal How NBA Execs View Upcoming Bidding War in Free Agency

Even though most of the attention on the NBA trade market this summer is going to be on Giannis Antetokounmpo, people in the league aren't completely sold he will be the best player who could be available.

Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, league executives would have Kawhi Leonard "neck-and-neck" with Antetokounmpo as the best player on the market if the Los Angeles Clippers were to make him available:

"With the Clippers trending towards a youth movement in their recent blockbuster transactions, rival executives are monitoring Leonard's future closely as the seven-time All-Star turns 35 in June. In fact, several executives have put Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo neck-and-neck for the best player to try to acquire on the trade market if Leonard indeed becomes available."

It's unclear at this point if either or both will be put on the trade block. Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told reporters in April their long-term plan is to win with Leonard, but they would have a sit-down with him at some point to make sure their goals align before making any big decisions.

Bucks co-governor Jimmy Haslam told reporters on May 6 that they want to finalize a plan one way or another involving Antetokounmpo prior to the start of the draft on June 23.

The Clippers' offseason could be among the most significant in the NBA. They already got started on changing their roster prior to the February trade deadline when they dealt James Harden and Ivica Zubac.

Those moves brought back Darius Garland and two first-round draft picks from the Indiana Pacers, including the No. 5 selection in 2026. The Clippers closed the season strong to finish 42-20, but missed the playoffs after losing to the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament.

Leonard was the main driving force behind the Clippers' turnaround, putting together one of the best seasons of his career. The seven-time All-Star averaged 27.9 points on 50.5 percent shooting, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 starts.

The last number is the most significant one, as it marks the second-most games Leonard has played in a season since 2017-18. It's also 29 more than Antetokounmpo played for the Milwaukee Bucks this season.

Both players have injury question marks that teams would absolutely have to consider if they were to make an offer, assuming the Clippers and Bucks make them available.

Leonard's injury track record is longer, but Antetokounmpo has missed a lot of time over the past seven seasons. He has played more than 67 games in a season once since 2019-20.

Also concerning is that a lot of Antetokounmpo's injuries this season were to his lower half, including groin, adductor, calf, hamstring, knee and ankle issues.

Antetokounmpo does have the age advantage, as he is three years younger than Leonard. His ceiling is probably higher at this point, though this season did suggest the gap is very close if Leonard can stay healthy enough to play 60-plus games.

Their contract situations could favor Leonard because he is owed slightly less money next season, though both players would likely be looking for an extension.

Leonard is going into the final year of his deal with a $50.3 million salary. Antetokounmpo has one more guaranteed year on his deal with a $58.5 million salary in 2026-27, plus a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28.