The Golden State Warriors continue to view Kawhi Leonard as a major offseason target, even as they evaluate more realistic wing options, according to Kevin O’Connor.
Speaking on The Kevin O’Connor Show while discussing Anthony Slater’s reporting on the Warriors’ offseason plans, O’Connor said Golden State’s interest in Leonard has not faded despite the availability of younger alternatives such as Trey Murphy III.
“[Anthony] Slater goes on to write how ‘Trey Murphy is the more obtainable wing for the Warriors to target,’” O’Connor said. “All that said though, I do think the Warriors still want Kawhi Leonard. I still think the Warriors are still going for Kawhi Leonard.”
Golden State’s interest comes after a disappointing 2025-26 season in which the team finished 37-45 and landed in the Western Conference Play-In picture. The Warriors ranked 10th in the West, 27 games behind the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, and were eliminated from contention before making a deeper postseason run.
Leonard remains one of the biggest names potentially available on the trade market. The 34-year-old forward averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 65 games during the 2025-26 season while shooting 50.5% from the field, 38.7% from three-point range, and 89.2% from the free-throw line.
The Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly faced trade speculation surrounding Leonard, but owner Steve Ballmer has maintained a preference to keep the franchise cornerstone and continue building around him. Leonard is entering the final season of his three-year, $149.5 million contract.
For Golden State, the challenge is finding a deal that improves the roster without sacrificing too much of its future. The Warriors hold the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, an asset that could become central in trade discussions.
