What’s Kawhi Leonard Worth on the Trade Market? Three Teams That Could Make a Move
Evaluating an NBA player’s trade value is never just about talent. It’s about context - age, health, contract, team trajectory. And when it comes to Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers are staring down one of the league’s trickiest puzzles.
Leonard is still playing elite basketball. Through 39 games this season, he’s averaging 28.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field, almost 39% from deep, and over 91% at the line. Add in an 8.0 Box Plus/Minus - a stat that captures his all-around impact - and it’s clear Leonard remains one of the most efficient and versatile two-way players in the game.
But here’s the rub: the Clippers are 25-27, barely hanging on to the 10th seed in the Western Conference. That’s Play-In territory, not contender status. And with the trade deadline moves already described as “difficult” by team president Lawrence Frank, there’s a sense that the Clippers might be open to bigger changes - maybe even seismic ones.
If the Clippers choose to hit the reset button or retool more aggressively, Leonard’s name is going to come up. Here’s a look at three teams that could make a compelling case for the former Finals MVP.
1. Houston Rockets: A Calculated Swing for a Rising Team
Don’t let the 32-19 record fool you - the Houston Rockets are still figuring things out. They’re currently fourth in the West, but the long-term blueprint isn’t fully locked in. They’ve stockpiled young talent and draft picks, but the on-court fit, especially offensively, remains a work in progress.
Alperen Sengun has taken a leap. Amen Thompson is flashing serious upside. But neither is a natural floor-spacer, and that can get tricky in a playoff setting where spacing and shot creation tighten up.
Enter Leonard.
He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, but when the moment calls for it, he can absolutely take over. He guards multiple positions, hits shots from deep and midrange, and brings a level of playoff experience and poise that this young Rockets group doesn’t yet have.
Now, Houston shouldn’t empty the vault - Leonard’s age (34) and injury history are real concerns. But if the Clippers' leverage dips because of their record or Leonard’s long-term durability questions, the Rockets might see an opportunity to add a proven closer without mortgaging the future. For a franchise trying to transition from “up-and-coming” to “dangerous now,” Leonard could be the bridge.
2. Philadelphia 76ers: A Bold Move to Maximize the Embiid Window
The Sixers are 30-23, sitting sixth in the East. They’re still a threat, but the gap between them and the top-tier teams - like the 39-13 Detroit Pistons - is starting to feel wider than the standings suggest.
That’s where Leonard becomes interesting.
This season, he’s posting 28.0 points per game on a 56.5% effective field goal percentage - elite numbers for any wing, let alone one who also defends at a high level. If Philadelphia believes its championship window with Joel Embiid is starting to narrow, this might be the time to consolidate assets and go all-in.
A potential trade framework could involve a sign-and-trade centered around Paul George, if the Sixers believe Leonard is a better fit next to Embiid. George is a star in his own right, but Leonard’s ability to take over games on both ends - especially in the playoffs - might better complement Embiid’s interior dominance.
Of course, the risks are obvious. Leonard has played just 39 games this season, and his career has been defined as much by load management as it has by clutch postseason moments.
But in a top-heavy East, sometimes the difference between a second-round exit and a Finals run is one player who can swing a series. Leonard is still that kind of player.
3. Toronto Raptors: A Familiar Gamble That Once Paid Off
Toronto is 32-22, fifth in the East, and outperforming expectations. But let’s be honest - this isn’t a complete team. The Raptors are long, versatile, and tough defensively, but when the game slows down in the fourth quarter, they struggle to generate consistent offense from the perimeter.
Sound familiar?
Back in 2018-19, the Raptors made a bold move for Leonard under similar circumstances. They knew the risk, but they also knew the upside. The result: the franchise’s first and only NBA championship.
This version of Leonard isn’t quite the same as he was back then, but he’s still capable of putting up monster nights - like his recent 41-point game in Minnesota or his 31-point outing in Sacramento. Those are reminders that when he’s healthy, he’s still a championship-caliber force.
Toronto has the pieces to make something happen - movable contracts, draft capital, and a front office that’s never been afraid to take a swing. The question is whether they’re ready to fast-track the timeline again.
Leonard’s injury history will always be part of the equation. But if the asking price reflects that risk, the Raptors could justify another calculated bet - one that’s already worked once before.
The Bottom Line
Kawhi Leonard is still one of the most impactful players in the league when he’s on the floor. But he’s also 34 with a history of injuries, and the Clippers are hovering around .500. That’s a tough spot for any front office to navigate.
If the Clippers decide to shift course, expect teams like Houston, Philadelphia, and Toronto to at least kick the tires. Leonard isn’t the kind of player you trade for lightly - but he’s also not the kind you ignore if the price is right.
In a league where stars still drive championships, Leonard’s name is going to stay in the conversation.