The Los Angeles Clippers have entered the 2026 NBA offseason with plenty of speculation surrounding franchise cornerstone Kawhi Leonard. Following the NBA Draft, several teams contacted the Clippers to explore a potential deal for the two-time NBA Finals MVP, fueling rumors about his future in Los Angeles.
Despite the growing interest, the Clippers have remained consistent in their approach. League sources indicate the organization has not initiated trade discussions involving Leonard and instead has only listened to offers from rival teams. So far, none of those proposals have convinced the franchise to seriously consider moving its longtime star.
Trade rumors involving Leonard are nothing new. Interest from around the league dates back to the trade deadline earlier this year, when multiple playoff contenders reportedly explored possible deals. At that time, the Clippers made it clear they had no intention of parting ways with Leonard, and that position appears largely unchanged entering free agency.
Although the front office is evaluating every opportunity available, the organization continues to believe Leonard remains one of the key pieces in its pursuit of another championship. Unless circumstances change significantly, Los Angeles expects him to remain with the franchise.
1. Clippers Hold Firm Despite Outside Interest
Since the conclusion of the NBA Draft, multiple organizations have contacted the Clippers to gauge Leonard’s availability. Rather than actively shopping the veteran forward, Los Angeles has simply listened to inquiries while maintaining communication with Leonard and his representatives about the team’s long-term direction.
The Clippers’ leadership, led by owner Steve Ballmer and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, reportedly remains committed to keeping Leonard unless presented with an extraordinary opportunity. Team officials continue to view the seven-time All-Star as one of the franchise’s defining players and have shown little willingness to lower their asking price.
According to league sources, there are only two situations in which Los Angeles would seriously reconsider its stance. The first would be if Leonard personally requested a trade. The second would involve another team presenting an overwhelming package featuring multiple first-round draft picks along with a young player capable of becoming a cornerstone for the franchise.
To this point, neither condition has been met. Sources describe the offers received by the Clippers as falling well short of the organization’s expectations, reinforcing the belief that Leonard will remain in Los Angeles unless negotiations change dramatically.
2. Raptors and Mavericks Fall Short of Expectations
Among the teams expressing interest are the Toronto Raptors, who continue to explore the possibility of bringing Leonard back to the franchise where he led them to the 2019 NBA championship. While the reunion has generated intrigue, discussions have reportedly failed to gain meaningful traction.
Toronto’s reported proposal centered around former All-Star Brandon Ingram, but that framework has not appealed to the Clippers. Los Angeles previously declined opportunities to acquire Ingram before his move to Toronto and reportedly remains unconvinced that he would headline a deal involving Leonard.
Instead, the Clippers are believed to have greater interest in young forward Collin Murray-Boyles as a foundational piece in any potential agreement. However, Toronto has reportedly kept Murray-Boyles out of negotiations, leaving the two sides far apart. Additional first-round draft selections would also be required before Los Angeles would seriously evaluate such an offer.
The Dallas Mavericks have also explored Leonard’s availability. Reports have suggested a possible package involving PJ Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft compensation, but sources indicate that proposal has not significantly advanced discussions. If negotiations were ever to progress, the Clippers would reportedly seek promising young center Dereck Lively II as a centerpiece despite his recent injury concerns.
3. Leonard and Clippers Still Focused on the Future
Despite the ongoing speculation, there have been no indications that Leonard is dissatisfied with the Clippers entering the offseason. Sources say neither the veteran forward nor his representatives have communicated any desire to leave the organization.
Leonard’s primary objective remains competing for another championship. Although he reportedly expressed frustration after the Clippers traded key contributors, including James Harden and Ivica Zubac during the previous season, he chose to postpone any evaluation of his future until the offseason rather than seek an immediate exit.
The 35-year-old is entering the final season of his current contract, which will pay him approximately $50.3 million. He is also eligible to sign a two-year contract extension worth up to $126 million. League sources indicate both Leonard and the Clippers have mutual interest in reaching a long-term agreement, even though financial details still need to be resolved.
For now, the biggest takeaway remains unchanged: the Clippers are not actively attempting to trade Kawhi Leonard. While they continue to listen to calls from interested teams, no proposal has come close to convincing the organization to move on from one of the franchise’s most accomplished players.