Kawhi Leonard, Ja Morant's Top Trade Landing Spots After 2026 NBA Draftย
Now that the 2026 NBA draft is over, some teams still looking to build their rosters for next season will have to look at free agency.
Other teams will turn to the trade market.
One star player who could be made available this offseason is Kawhi Leonard, who is heading into next season on an expiring contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Ja Morant could also be on the move with two years remaining on his contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Here's a look at a few spots where Leonard and Morant could end up this offseason now that the draft has wrapped up in Brooklyn.
Kawhi Leonard
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Top landing spots: Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder
Whether Leonard gets moved this offseason will start with Clippers owner Ballmer.
ESPN's Anthony Slater reported in June that Ballmer "has maintained a firm stance against a Leonard trade, preferring to continue building around his star forward."
Should the Clippers change that stance, the franchise has reportedly already received interest from at least one other team.
The Warriors reportedly made a push for Leonard at the February trade deadline, per Slater and ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
Slater and Shelburne also reported "there's an expectation the Warriors could reengage the Clippers on Leonard's availability this offseason."
The Warriors are currently on track to run things back with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Adding Leonard, who hasn't played more than 65 games in a season since 2017, might not help the Warriors with availability of star players next season.
Leonard did average 27.9 points per game when available last season. The Warriors could take the swing if they think adding that level of production, potentially by moving Jimmy Butler's contract, is what will turn this team from a play-in candidate to a contender next season.
The Thunder could be looking for a change after falling short of defending their 2025 title with a Western Conference Finals loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
All-Star forward Chet Holmgren was held to 10.7 points per game during that elimination series.
Should the Thunder decide to make some changes to their frontcourt after that loss by swapping out Holmgren, Leonard could potentially get a chance at a more sheltered role amid defenders' focus on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
Ja Morant
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Top landing spots: Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves
This offseason could finally be time for Morant's long-rumored departure from Memphis.
NBA insider Jake Fischerย reported earlier this year Morant "didn't have much" of a trade market ahead of the February deadline.
ESPN'sย Jeremy Woo reported in May, however, that "taking a chance on Morant might become more appealing to franchises left searching for star talent after things shake out."
One of those franchises potentially seeking a star is the Phoenix Suns, which could benefit from adding a ball-handler to help manage Devin Booker's workload.
A comeback season from Morant could both lift some pressure from Booker and help the Suns improve after ranking as one of the lowest-scoring teams in the NBA last season.
Another star player who could benefit from the addition of another ball-handler is Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.
The Wolves were unable to make it past the second round last season with Julius Randle leading the team with five assists per game.
Morant, who averaged 8.1 assists per game when available last season, could bring playmaking to the Wolves' offense as the team looks to contend for a title next spring.
Injury history is a concern for Morant, who played just 20 games last season. If healthy, Morant will hope a fresh start with a new team can lead to a bounce-back campaign in 2026-27.
