Overview
- Reports say several NBA teams are monitoring Kawhi Leonard in the weeks ahead of the free-agency window, according to reporting that cited ESPN sources.
- Clippers governor Steve Ballmer has publicly maintained a firm stance against trading Leonard and has expressed a preference to build the roster around him.
- Leonard has one year left on a three-year extension and is owed $50.3 million for 2026-27 before he reaches unrestricted free agency in 2027, which drives both trade value and salary planning.
- Leonard produced a career-high scoring season and earned All-NBA Second Team honors despite the Clippers missing the playoffs with a 42-40 record, and his age and injury history factor into rival teams' evaluations.
- Further clarity is expected in the coming days and weeks with the draft and free-agency calendar approaching, and the club will weigh a contract extension, keeping him on an expiring deal, or a trade as options.