Kawhi Leonard’s future with the Los Angeles Clippers may hinge on extension negotiations over the coming weeks, with NBA insider Chris Haynes reporting that the franchise is expected to explore a trade if a new deal is not reached before the veteran forward enters the final year of his contract.
“If an extension is not worked out… I expect the Clippers look to move Kawhi,” Haynes said. “I don’t expect that he will stay and play on an expiring deal.”
The report adds another layer of intrigue to one of the NBA’s most closely watched offseason situations. Leonard, 34, is entering the final season of a three-year, $149.5 million contract and is scheduled to earn more than $50 million in 2026-27. While Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has consistently expressed a desire to remain competitive around Leonard, the possibility of losing a franchise cornerstone without long-term certainty could force the organization to evaluate its options.
Leonard remains one of the league’s most productive two-way stars when healthy. During the 2025-26 season, he averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 65 games while shooting 50.5% from the field, 38.7% from three-point range and 89.2% from the free-throw line. It was one of his most efficient offensive seasons and demonstrated that he can still perform at an All-NBA level.
Despite Leonard’s production, the Clippers finished just 42-40 and secured the ninth seed in the Western Conference. The team finished 22 games behind conference-leading Oklahoma City and failed to establish itself as a legitimate championship contender. That result has intensified speculation about whether Los Angeles should continue building around its current core or pivot toward a younger timeline.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, several teams have been monitoring Leonard’s situation and are waiting to see how discussions with the Clippers unfold. Charania reported that more clarity could emerge in the coming days and weeks as the organization determines its direction.
One team frequently linked to Leonard is Golden State. Kevin O’Connor recently reported that the Warriors continue to view Leonard as a priority target despite exploring younger wing options around the league. Golden State finished 37-45 last season and was eliminated after reaching the Play-In Tournament, leaving the front office searching for another impact star to pair with Stephen Curry.
The Warriors previously explored Leonard trade scenarios before the February deadline and possess assets that could interest Los Angeles, including the recently used No. 11 draft pick and additional future draft capital. Any potential suitor, however, would likely need confidence that Leonard is willing to commit beyond the final year of his current contract.
The timing is notable because the Clippers already used the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, adding another young piece to a roster that could soon face major decisions. If extension talks progress positively, Leonard could remain the centerpiece of the franchise’s plans. If they do not, Haynes’ report suggests trade discussions could accelerate quickly.
