It’s safe to say the Golden State Warriors are pleased with their recent play on the hardwood.
Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler have positively altered the Dubs’ season outlook following an uneven start to the year, helping them win 11 of their last 12 contests.
Still, in the offseason, the franchise could acquire a Los Angeles Clippers superstar forward and reach a higher ceiling during the 2025-26 campaign.
Kawhi Leonard is among the most talented two-way stars in the NBA. The two-time NBA champion’s clean one-to-two dribble pull-up jump shot and relentless on-ball defense make him a nightmare matchup for opponents on both ends.
However, despite making his presence felt on the hardwood, it’s reasonable to assume the Clippers are growing weary of Leonard’s persistent injury issues.
After suffering a torn ACL toward the end of the 2020-21 campaign, Leonard missed the entire 2021-22 season to rehab his devastating lower body setback.
During the 2023 postseason, the San Diego State product endured a torn meniscus, forcing him to miss most of Los Angeles’ first-round series against the Phoenix Suns.
Last postseason, a right knee injury limited Leonard to two clashes, which made it easier for the Dallas Mavericks to eliminate the Clippers in round No. 1.
Leonard sat out the first 34 games of the current campaign due to right knee inflammation but returned to Los Angeles’ lineup on Jan. 4 against the Atlanta Hawks.
The two-time finals MVP averages 18.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting 46.2% from the field and 36.1% from downtown in 23 contests.
If Leonard sustains another injury in the playoffs and the Clippers fail to make a deep run, the organization might consider parting with him in the summer.
The Warriors would likely view Leonard as a wild card, but if a Kevin Durant reunion continues to fall through, Golden State could pivot to the former Toronto Raptors stud and form a daunting Big Three in the Bay.
Although striking a deal would be challenging, the Warriors have plenty of alluring assets, such as Moses Moody and Gary Payton II, that could help the Clippers retool after losing Leonard.
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