The Los Angeles Clippers just flipped the script on their season - and maybe their future - with a pair of stunning moves that have sent shockwaves through the league. First came the surprise decision to waive Chris Paul, a move that caught just about everyone off guard.
But the real headline-grabber? Trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster deal that instantly reshaped the Western Conference landscape.
This wasn’t just a big move - it was seismic. Harden’s exit marks a major shift for the Clippers, who are clearly pivoting in a new direction.
And with that kind of shake-up, it didn’t take long for the rest of the NBA to come calling. According to Chris Haynes, multiple teams reached out to the Clippers to see if they might also be willing to part with Kawhi Leonard.
That’s no small thing - when a franchise cornerstone like Kawhi is potentially in play, the phones light up.
But here’s the thing: the Clippers aren’t budging.
Despite moving on from Harden and also sending Ivica Zubac to Indiana in a separate deal, the team isn’t entertaining offers for Leonard. At 34 years old, Kawhi is still playing elite basketball - averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game this season.
That’s not just production - that’s leadership. And it’s clear the Clippers still see him as the centerpiece of whatever comes next.
Zubac’s departure, though, hit home for Leonard. The two shared years of on-court chemistry and off-court camaraderie, and the trade to the Pacers wasn’t just a roster move - it was personal. Leonard didn’t hold back when talking about the impact of losing his longtime teammate.
“Man, almost like losing a brother,” Leonard said. “We see these people - the players around here - more than you see family in a sense throughout the NBA season.
And there’s just somebodies that will be missed. Like you said, I played a lot of games with him, a lot of battles.
Yeah, he’s the face that we’re gonna miss in the locker room.”
That kind of emotion speaks volumes. Zubac wasn’t just a big body in the paint - he was a trusted presence, a steady hand, and a key piece of the Clippers’ identity during their recent runs. For Kawhi, who’s known for his calm demeanor and measured words, that kind of heartfelt message says everything about the bond they shared.
Now, with the trade deadline in the rearview and the roster reshaped, the Clippers are in a fascinating spot. They’ve made bold moves, but they’re holding firm on their biggest star. Leonard remains the anchor - and with his level of play this season, he’s giving L.A. every reason to believe he can still lead them into the next chapter.
The rebuild is on, but don’t mistake it for a teardown. The Clippers are retooling around Kawhi, not moving on from him. And with the Western Conference as wide open as it’s been in years, keeping a player of Leonard’s caliber might just be their smartest move yet.