The Golden State Warriors are entering the 2025-26 season in a unique position with an aging core. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler are still major talents, but time is no longer on their side. The dynasty that dominated the NBA throughout the 2010s still has flashes of brilliance, yet the window for another championship run is closing.
For a franchise defined by its willingness to swing big and maximize its stars’ twilight years, the Warriors could look to add another elite piece to make one final, all-in push for glory. Enter Kawhi Leonard, a player whose value around the league is uncertain.
Despite being a two-time Finals MVP and still among the league’s most dominant two-way wings when healthy, Leonard’s reputation has taken a hit after controversy surrounding an alleged under-the-table endorsement deal. That is why Leonard’s future with the Los Angeles Clippers might even be in question, and the situation is ripe for Golden State to step in.
With Leonard’s market potentially deflated, the Warriors could capitalize on a rare opportunity to acquire a superstar at a discounted price, giving them a formidable defensive and offensive weapon to pair with Curry, Butler, and Green for one last championship run.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Brandin Podziemski, 2027 first-round pick (GSW), 2032 first-round pick (GSW), 2031 second-round pick
Golden State Warriors Acquire The Perfect Two-Way Wing Without Losing Too Much
For the Warriors, the appeal of Kawhi Leonard goes far beyond his name. He is still one of the most complete two-way players in basketball (21.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.1 APG), capable of locking down an opponent’s best scorer while also delivering offense when called upon.
Golden State already has two fierce perimeter defenders in Jimmy Butler (17.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.4 APG) and Draymond Green (9.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.6 APG), but Leonard’s presence would raise their ceiling dramatically. Adding Kawhi would give the Warriors the flexibility to counter any superstar wing in the West while also providing much-needed scoring alongside 37-year-old Stephen Curry (24.5 PPG, 6.0 APG).
Perhaps most importantly, the Warriors wouldn’t need to sacrifice their foundation to get this deal done. Instead of gutting their roster or trading away too many future assets, Golden State could realistically land Leonard by trading the exiled Jonathan Kuminga and only losing Brandin Podziemski.
Compared to what stars of his caliber typically cost, the Warriors would be securing a bargain, making this a rare opportunity in a league where teams often pay steep premiums for talent. By acquiring Leonard without losing their essential core, the Warriors would place themselves firmly back in championship contention.
Curry would have yet another high-level co-star to share the scoring load, Butler wouldn’t be stretched too thin defensively, and Green would thrive as a leader with two elite wing stoppers beside him. A lineup with four Hall of Famers would be more than exciting to watch.
Los Angeles Clippers Start The Process Of Saving Their Image And Re-Tooling Their Roster
From the Clippers’ perspective, trading Kawhi Leonard could serve as a necessary reset. Leonard’s tenure in Los Angeles was supposed to mark the beginning of a new era, but instead, it has been marred by injuries, playoff disappointments, and now, controversy that has damaged both his image and the team’s.
By moving on, the Clippers can shift the narrative away from the failed Kawhi experiment and begin a new chapter that prioritizes long-term growth and a healthier team identity. This deal allows the Clippers to retool without plunging into a full rebuild.
They would acquire players who can contribute immediately while also maintaining flexibility for future moves. Jonathan Kuminga is a budding All-Star, and if given the reins to freely grow on both ends of the court, he can be a perfect franchise cornerstone after posting 15.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 2.2 APG last season. Podziemski, a talented and improving two-way guard (11.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.4 APG), is another player who can inject youth into an aging Clippers roster.
By making this trade, Los Angeles positions itself for a smoother transition into the next era. Given how quickly reputations can change in the NBA, this step could allow them to stabilize and begin repairing their brand, all while setting themselves up for greater success in the years to come.
A Realistic And Underpriced Deal That Both Teams Have To Consider
What makes this trade so intriguing is its realism. Kawhi Leonard, despite his undeniable talent, no longer commands the same untouchable trade value he once did.
Between his injury history and recent off-court controversy, his market is at a low point, giving the Warriors a rare chance to swoop in without paying a superstar’s ransom. On the flip side, the Clippers can’t afford to cling to diminishing returns, especially when their franchise desperately needs a reset.
For Golden State, the price of admission would be manageable compared to what they’d be gaining. They would add a Hall-of-Fame caliber wing who perfectly complements their roster without draining their future assets.
For Los Angeles, they would offload a complicated situation while bringing back valuable role players and a draft pick that helps restore flexibility. It’s not a typical star-for-star swap, but that’s precisely why it works since it meets both teams where they are in their respective situations. Do we want to see it happen? Of course, because it would make the Wild Western Conference even scarier.
