May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Three Possible Teams Interested in Kawhi Leonard Trade

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated May 20, 2025 1:45 PM ET

For the past few seasons, the success of the LA Clippers has hinged entirely on Kawhi Leonard's health.

The team finally saw Leonard play a fully healthy postseason for the first time since the 2020 NBA season, but it still ended in a first-round exit. For as great as Leonard was in the playoffs, he wasn't the top-three superstar that fans remembered. Much of that is due to the fact that Leonard is a whole five years older than he was during his last fully healthy playoff run.

While the Clippers likely won't trade Leonard and will ride out another season with him and Harden at the helm, which teams could actually be interested in a Kawhi Leonard trade?

NBA insider Yossi Gozlan analyzed which three teams could possibly be interested in a trade for Leonard.

Should the LA Clippers explore trading Kawhi Leonard, teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat could emerge as interested suitors, per @YossiGozlan.

“Some teams that could make sense for Leonard include the Cavaliers, Nuggets, and Heat. But these teams… pic.twitter.com/1qTYgiJz0i
— APHoops (@APH00PS) May 20, 2025

“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.”

Kawhi Leonard dropped 39 PTS on 78.9 FG% tonight!

He's the 5th player in NBA PLAYOFF HISTORY to score 39+ PTS on 78.9+ FG%

He joins:

Devin Booker (2023)
Dirk Nowitzki (2011)
Elton Brand (2006)
Terry Porter (1992) https://t.co/q3thl5w1rE pic.twitter.com/tdZoJn9qWE
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) April 22, 2025

Kawhi Leonard's contract lasts until the 2027-28 NBA season. In all likelihood, the Clippers will run back their same 50-win squad until it comes time for their core players to have their contracts expire. It's the situation that makes the most sense for LA, unless another GM may want to make a Luka Doncic, Nico Harrison level out-of-the-box trade again.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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