The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are two teams flying under the radar and not generating much noise in the Western Conference. The Warriors feel good about their “deep” roster, but there might not be enough help for Stephen Curry once the playoffs arrive. The Warriors could be in a risky frame of thought right now because Curry is signed through 2026-27 and they only have three seasons left to compete for a title. A risk as big as contacting the Clippers for Kawhi Leonard could be feasible, especially considering their immediate championship aspirations and the fact that Klay Thompson is one star who has already left the team.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are stuck with Leonard seemingly not able to stay on the court and it might be time to move on. Paul George already walked in free agency so Kawhi Leonard could be the next to go for the Clippers to finally move on and rebuild after years of trying and failing to make the NBA Finals. Here is a proposed trade that could see Kawhi Leonard join Stephen Curry in Golden State and it involves a host of talented players.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, 2026 First-Round Pick
Let’s break down how this trade works for both teams involved and what could possibly come out of this for all parties involved.
Golden State Warriors Become Major Favorites In The Western Conference
Acquiring Kawhi Leonard would elevate the Golden State Warriors to the top tier of title contenders in the Western Conference, instantly giving Stephen Curry a superstar-caliber running mate. Leonard’s elite two-way play, highlighted by his career averages of 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, complements Curry’s offensive brilliance perfectly.
The Warriors have shown over the years that their system thrives when they have versatile wing defenders, and Leonard might be the best in the business when healthy. With Draymond Green locking down the paint and Leonard taking on the toughest perimeter assignments, Golden State’s defense would once again be championship-level. Combined with Curry’s offensive genius, this trade could create a dynamic that rivals the team’s peak years with Kevin Durant.
For Golden State, the window to win with Curry is shrinking, with only three years left on his contract. By adding Leonard, they give themselves the best possible chance to maximize these years. Leonard has shown he can take over playoff series, averaging 28.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in the 2019 NBA Finals. The Warriors need another player capable of taking that weight off Curry’s shoulders when the pressure is on. Even with Leonard’s injury history, the reward is worth the risk—especially since the Warriors’ other recent additions, like Chris Paul, don’t quite provide the firepower they need for a deep playoff run.
Los Angeles Clippers Finally Move On From Kawhi Leonard
For the Clippers, this trade would represent the end of an era defined by “what ifs” and missed opportunities. Kawhi Leonard was supposed to be the franchise savior when he arrived in 2019, but constant injuries and bad luck have plagued his time in L.A. He played just 109 games in two seasons before missing the entirety of the 2022 season. He finally played 68 games last season, but was injured for the postseason and is out to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Safe to say, it isn’t working out for Leonard in Los Angeles.
As great as Leonard is, the Clippers haven’t been able to rely on his availability, which is why moving on could be a necessary step toward rebuilding. Andrew Wiggins gives them a player with championship experience (having been crucial to the Warriors’ 2022 title run) and a younger wing who can produce immediately while remaining healthier. Wiggins, at 29 years old, is still in his prime and brings solid all-around production. In 2021-22, he posted 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks in the playoffs, showing he can step up when it matters.
Melton, an elite defender in the backcourt, and Podziemski provide complementary pieces for a retooled Clippers roster that now has more flexibility and depth. The 2026 first-round pick adds another asset to their future war chest, and while it’s a painful reality to trade a star like Kawhi, the Clippers will finally be able to rebuild with a new vision around current star guard James Harden.
A Realistic Blockbuster Trade That Could Work For Both Teams
This trade makes sense for both sides, which is why it feels realistic. The Warriors are in a “win now” mode, desperate to maximize what could be the final stretch of Stephen Curry’s prime, while the Clippers are facing the reality that their championship window has closed due to Leonard’s constant injuries. For Golden State, the addition of Leonard might be the only way they can keep pace with the new-look Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and other emerging Western Conference threats. His ability to take over in high-pressure moments and lock down opposing stars on defense makes him worth the gamble.
For the Clippers, this trade allows them to finally hit the reset button while still remaining competitive. Wiggins and Melton can be key pieces of a respectable core, but more importantly, L.A. would no longer be tied to the constant uncertainty that comes with Kawhi’s health. The future picks allow the Clippers to build for the future without being fully committed to a teardown. Overall, this blockbuster trade brings clarity to both teams’ situations: Golden State goes all-in for a title, and the Clippers pivot toward a sustainable future.
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