All Clippers

Three Potential Trade Destinations for Kawhi Leonard Amid Aspiration Allegations

The LA Clippers aren't likely to deal Kawhi Leonard before the start of the season, but should the opportunity arise, there may be a few potential destinations
Matt Guzman|
Mar 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up prior to the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Intuit Dome.
Mar 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up prior to the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Intuit Dome. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In this story:

Los Angeles Clippers

As the LA Clippers continue to navigate a tumultuous offseason, rumblings about Kawhi Leonard's future have begun to take center stage.

An ongoing NBA investigation into a suspicious brand deal between Leonard and now-defunct environmental start-up Aspiration brought about potential punishments for the Steve Ballmer-owned franchise, including — at worst — voiding Leonard's contract.

While a decision is not expected until after the NBA All-Star Break, the likelihood of such retribution is slim. That said, LA could opt to take a different route with the star via trade.

Not many teams would be clamoring for an aging star with a troubling injury history, but given Leonard's potential when healthy, finding a suitable trade partner isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Here are a couple of options:

1. Clippers Give Heat Butler Replacement

Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonar
Feb 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami Heat Receives: Kawhi Leonard 

LA Clippers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, Nikola Jović, 2029 First

It goes without saying that Miami, in this scenario, would have to sell out on its current roster. Since losing Jimmy Butler III to the Warriors at February's NBA Trade Deadline, the Heat managed to make the Eastern Conference playoffs as the No. 8 seed.

Granted, a sweep at the hands of the Cavaliers isn't grounds for optimism, but Miami didn't look incapable without Butler, who led the team for five seasons before demanding a trade. In this deal, the Heat receive a Butler-esque player with still a few more seasons of impactful basketball, should he remain healthy.

Dealing a recently acquired Wiggins isn't a "no-brainer," but should the Heat be looking for a slight upgrade next to Bam Adebayo, perhaps Leonard isn't such an outlandish idea.

2. Bulls Finally Take Risk

Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard
Mar 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives against Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Chicago Bulls Receive: Kawhi Leonard, 2028, 2029 Second Round Picks

LA Clippers Receive: Coby White, Zach Collins, Patrick Williams, 2027, 2029 First Round Picks

As it tends to go in Chicago, Artūras Karnišovas asked the fanbase for patience after the Bulls failed to make the playoffs for the third straight season — they've only gone twice in 10 seasons.

That materialized in a standoff with star point guard Josh Giddey that eventually resulted in a four-year, $100 million deal for the Australian native. Giddey now leads the team in average annual salary, leaving Chicago with decisions to make regarding its other key pieces in Patrick Williams, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmo.

This deal gets two of those contracts off the Bulls' books while adding a capable star in Leonard. A pair of second-round picks doesn't much move the needle, but Chicago would be banking on a few years of healthy Leonard to pair with Giddey and its other young star, Matas Buzelis.

3. Pistons Make Unlikely Swing

Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonar
Feb 2, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Detroit Pistons Receive: Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn

LA Clippers Receive: Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, 2027 First Round Pick

Given their recent playoff push, the Pistons aren't in any rush to shake up the roster, but if Leonard continues to play healthy basketball with the season back underway, they could consider making a big swing to add immediate talent.

Harris was a standout performer in the team's playoff series against the New York Knicks, which gives him added value in any potential deal. Paired with Stewart and Holland, the Pistons could justify adding Leonard to an already impressive roster, and add a marginal player at the same time in Dunn.

Detroit isn't likely to make this kind of move, but its recent success does serve as an intriguing destination for several stars across the league.

Related Articles

Published
Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

Share on XFollow mattgzman
Home/News