New Kawhi Leonard Trade Rumors on Odds Clippers Deal Star Ahead of NBA Free Agency
As Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard enters the final year of his contract in 2026-27, many around the league are wondering if he could be acquired in a trade this offseason.
However, it sounds like the Clippers aren't in a rush to get rid of the seven-time All-Star, as The Athletic's Hunter Patterson reported that "one rival executive from another team that has an interest in Leonard shared" that there is "skepticism that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is truly willing to trade Leonard."
Leonard is owed $50.3 million next season, and he will become eligible for a two-year contract extension worth a maximum of $126.1 million at the conclusion of this year's NBA Finals.
While acquiring Leonard would instantly make any team a title contender next season, there could be some hesitation around the league given that he does not have a long-term deal. Patterson noted, "As we've seen previously with Leonard and the Toronto Raptors, even winning a title isn't enough to keep him around long term."
It's safe to assume that Leonard won't create much drama over his future with the Clippers as the summer approaches, but it appears that teams will continue to explore the possibility of changing Ballmer's mind in a potential trade for the 34-year-old.
