Kawhi Leonard’s future with the Los Angeles Clippers is growing more uncertain by the day. Despite joining the franchise with high expectations, Leonard has instead been plagued by injuries, inconsistent availability, and now off-court legal issues tied to endorsement deals. No doubt, some members within the Clippers organization have had enough of the superstar player.
Sources around the organization suggest there’s growing frustration with the situation, and the once-unthinkable idea of moving on from their franchise player is no longer off the table.
While trading a superstar of Leonard’s caliber is always complicated, we propose three shocking offers the Clippers could receive if they decide to explore the trade market.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers Go All-In For Next Season
Proposed Trade Details
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jarrett Allen, De’Andre Hunter, 2031 first-round pick (CLE)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been looking for the missing piece to elevate their core into true title contention, and Kawhi Leonard could be the superstar swing they’ve been waiting for. With Donovan Mitchell already locked in as the franchise player and Darius Garland providing elite playmaking alongside DPOY winner Evan Mobley, adding Leonard would give Cleveland a monster Big Four.
If healthy, he immediately raises their playoff ceiling, transforming the Cavs from a promising young squad into an Eastern Conference powerhouse. From the Clippers’ perspective, Jarrett Allen and De’Andre Hunter provide two ideal rotation fits.
Allen is an All-Star caliber center (13.5 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 0.9 BPG) who offers rim protection, rebounding, and vertical spacing, giving Los Angeles a true defensive anchor behind Ivica Zubac. Allen could also be moved for future assets if the Clippers don’t want to keep the 27-year-old.
De’Andre Hunter, at 27 years old, adds size and defensive versatility on the wing while still possessing untapped offensive potential (17.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.7 SPG). The 2031 first-round pick from Cleveland adds valuable long-term insurance, particularly if the Cavaliers’ competitive window begins to close later in the decade.
For Cleveland, this move is not without risk. Leonard’s health issues and ongoing off-court concerns bring uncertainty, and moving on from Allen means fully committing to Evan Mobley as their long-term center.
Still, the potential payoff is enormous: a Garland-Mitchell-Leonard-Mobley Big Four would be as formidable in the wide-open Eastern Conference. On paper, isn’t it obvious the Cavs would be better than the Knicks and Magic to win the East? We think so.
2. Miami Heat Find Their Next Franchise Star
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, Nikola Jovic, 2029 first-round pick
Few organizations are as bold as the Miami Heat when it comes to swinging for stars, and Leonard would fit their culture of toughness and high-stakes basketball. With Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro entering their prime, the Heat need a player who can carry the offensive and defensive load when games slow down in May and June.
Leonard, at his best, remains one of the league’s most lethal postseason weapons, and Miami’s training staff has a reputation for maximizing player health. For the Clippers, this package brings in a mix of veterans and upside.
Andrew Wiggins is a battle-tested wing who thrives as a complementary scorer and defender (18.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.6 APG), while Davion Mitchell provides backcourt toughness and defensive energy (7.9 PPG, 4.9 APG). Nikola Jovic, meanwhile, is an intriguing developmental piece who has shown flashes of offensive versatility (10.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG), and the 2029 first-round pick ensures some future draft choices.
If Leonard buys into the Heat’s demanding system, the upside is enormous, potentially giving Miami another deep playoff run in the next two seasons. For the Clippers, this deal represents a chance to reset without entering a full rebuild.
3. New Orleans Pelicans Take A Gamble
Proposed Trade Details
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
The Pelicans have been a mess, but they might take a gamble to bring in a big name to help steer the ship. Acquiring Kawhi Leonard would immediately change their trajectory, giving them a proven playoff closer to pair with Zion Williamson and Herb Jones.
A healthy Leonard would diversify New Orleans’ offensive attack and solidify their wing defense, instantly vaulting them into the conversation among Western Conference contenders. For Los Angeles, the return package is appealing on multiple fronts. Dejounte Murray provides a strong two-way presence in the backcourt (17.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 7.4 APG) and is under contract for several more years, offering stability at the guard spot.
Trey Murphy III is a rising young talent (21.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.5 APG) with size, shooting, and defensive versatility who is exactly the type of player every team covets in today’s NBA. On top of that, the Pelicans sweeten the deal with two future first-round picks, giving the Clippers additional flexibility for the future.
The Pelicans would be taking on considerable risk, not only with Leonard’s health but also with the fit alongside their existing stars. Still, New Orleans has the assets to afford the gamble and the need for a proven postseason star to take the next step.
