Analyst Suggests Clippers Trading ‘Polarizing Superstar’ Would Be Next Logical Move

Given those factors, trading Leonard could make sense if the Clippers wanted to relieve financial pressure and recoup long-term assets. Brandon Austin of PFSN recently suggested that moving Leonard might be the next logical move for the Clippers, given both his injury history and massive contract.

Still, the reality is that trading Leonard is unlikely. The Clippers boast one of the most complete rosters in the league, anchored by Leonard and James Harden, and have legitimate championship aspirations. Even so, the combination of his age, injury history, and contract makes him the player most likely to garner interest if a trade were ever seriously considered.

NBA insider Yossi Gozlan outlined which teams could theoretically be interested. “Some teams that could make sense for Leonard include the Cavaliers, Nuggets, and Heat,” Gozlan said. “But these teams also don’t have control of many of their draft picks and lack available young players who could be the face of a franchise. The lack of a robust market and exciting trade packages makes it more likely the Clippers ride out Leonard’s contract to the end.”

Leonard’s deal runs through the 2027-28 season, making it practical for the Clippers to continue with their current 50-win core unless an exceptional trade opportunity presents itself. Any team attempting to acquire him would need to absorb his massive salary, often requiring $50 million in expiring contracts or a combination of players and picks, which further limits the market.

Even NBA analyst Nick Wright weighed in on the idea of moving Leonard in a high-profile trade scenario. Discussing the potential of a LeBron James, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard trio—likely involving a trade with the Lakers—Wright was skeptical. “For me, this is a hard no because if it’s for Kawhi, the team will be ‘definitively worse’ than the Lakers team you are on now,” he said. Wright also cited Harden’s postseason struggles and Leonard’s injury history as reasons the trio might not succeed together. “Even if it’s not for Kawhi and you’re trading away all your spare pieces… Yeah, I don’t like that. Is that even better than what the Lakers have right now?”

For now, the Clippers appear set to ride out Leonard’s contract alongside Harden, relying on their proven core to pursue another championship. But as Brandon Austin noted, Leonard remains the most realistic trade candidate on a loaded roster—if circumstances ever change, the so-called ‘polarizing superstar’ could again become the centerpiece of NBA trade speculation.