The buzz around a potential Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo duo in Los Angeles is heating up, with the Clippers eyeing the Milwaukee Bucks' star if he becomes available this offseason.
The Clippers have positioned themselves to join the Giannis sweepstakes, thanks to a stockpile of draft picks. With four solid picks, including two from the Pacers, the Clippers are ready to pounce if Milwaukee shows interest in a trade. The idea of pairing Giannis with Kawhi is tantalizing for Clippers fans, offering a dynamic combo that could shake up the league.
Los Angeles bolstered its draft arsenal at the trade deadline by trading Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown to the Pacers. In return, they received Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a protected 2026 first-round pick, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and a future second-rounder. This draft capital is seen as a strategic asset, ready to be deployed if a star becomes available.
Giannis, now 31, has been a focal point of trade talks, especially during his recent stint on the sidelines with a calf injury. He's putting up impressive numbers-28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 64.5% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc over 30 games. Despite his efforts, the Bucks are 12th in the Eastern Conference at 23-30, following three straight first-round playoff exits.
In a candid chat with COSMOTE TV, Giannis stirred the pot regarding his future: “As Americans say, opinions are cheap - that’s why everyone has one. Right now, at this moment, I’m in Milwaukee… I don’t know if I’ll leave - it’s not up to me.
If it was up to me, maybe I already would have left. In a year and a half, when I become a free agent at 32, it will be up to me.”
Kawhi Leonard, 34, remains the heart of the Clippers. In his sixth season with the team, he's averaging a career-high 27.9 points, along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. His shooting stats are impressive too, with 49.1% from the field, 38.3% from three, and 91.2% from the line over 41 games.
The Clippers, currently 10th in the Western Conference with a 26-28 record, have bounced back from a tough 6-21 start. They’re set to face the Denver Nuggets next.
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While any potential move for Giannis depends on Milwaukee’s willingness to talk, the Clippers are clearly prepared to explore this blockbuster pairing if the opportunity arises.