Warriors Eye Kawhi Leonard in Major Trade Proposal with Clippers

In a bold move that could reshape their roster, the Golden State Warriors are contemplating a trade that would bring two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to the team. This potential deal, outlined by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, would see the Warriors part with their six-time All-Star to the Los Angeles Clippers, a transaction that could come with a hefty price tag of $110 million.

Bailey noted that with Jimmy Butler suffering a torn ACL in January, he is expected to miss significant time during the 2026-27 season. This raises concerns for the Warriors, especially as Stephen Curry approaches the latter stages of his career. “The Golden State Warriors simply cannot afford to have $56.8 million on the books for a player who can't get on the floor,” Bailey stated, suggesting that trading the expiring contract of their All-Star might be a sensible move this summer.

To make the deal appealing for the Clippers, the Warriors would likely need to attach some draft picks. The current speculation includes a first-round pick from this year’s draft, which is the 11th overall, along with a potential pick swap in 2031. While this may seem steep for a player entering his age-35 season with a history of injuries, Leonard remains a formidable talent after an impressive season, where he averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.

Adding Leonard to the roster could rejuvenate the Warriors’ championship aspirations, pairing him with Curry to form a potent duo. However, questions remain about how competitive an aging team would be against the rising powerhouses in the Western Conference, such as the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder, which boast younger and deeper rosters.

As the offseason progresses, expect to see ongoing discussions surrounding Leonard's future and his potential fit with the Warriors, who are eager to bolster their lineup for another title run.