The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to face trade speculation surrounding Kawhi Leonard this offseason, but team owner Steve Ballmer is reportedly not interested in moving the franchise cornerstone.
Anthony Slater of ESPN reported Wednesday that while the Clippers would consider acquiring established wing talent in a win-now move, league sources indicate Ballmer has maintained a firm stance against trading Leonard. The preference is reportedly to continue building around the 34-year-old forward.
Leonard enters the final season of his three-year, $149.5 million contract, making him one of the most monitored names on the NBA trade market. His expiring deal could appeal to contenders looking for immediate star power while maintaining future financial flexibility.
Teams that miss out on major trade targets, including potential pursuits of Giannis Antetokounmpo, are expected to evaluate Leonard as an alternative option. His combination of playoff experience, perimeter scoring, and two-way ability remains valuable for teams trying to compete immediately.
Leonard continued to produce at an elite level during the 2025-26 season. He appeared in 65 games, starting all of them, and averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 32.1 minutes per game. He shot 50.5% from the field, 38.7% from three-point range, and 89.2% from the free-throw line.
The Clippers, however, finished the regular season at 42-40, placing ninth in the Western Conference and entering the Play-In Tournament. The result fueled questions about whether the roster around Leonard requires a significant adjustment after another season outside the conference’s top tier.
Los Angeles has already invested heavily in building around Leonard since he joined the franchise in 2019. The Clippers reached the Western Conference Finals in 2021 but have dealt with injuries and roster instability during Leonard’s tenure.
