Kendrick Perkins isn’t known for holding back - and he’s not about to start now. The former NBA big man, now a full-time analyst, has made a habit of stirring the pot with bold takes, and his latest target is none other than Kawhi Leonard.
On a recent episode of the Road Trippin’ Show, Perkins didn’t mince words when discussing the Los Angeles Clippers’ decision to sign Leonard in free agency. In fact, he went as far as to call it one of the worst moves in NBA history.
“Kawhi Leonard is one of the WORST free agent signings in NBA history,” Perkins said. “He has set the Clippers back 10 to 15 years.
Before he got to the Clippers, he demanded that they bring in another star/superstar, meaning Paul George. The Clippers were begging and pleading, we got to keep SGA.
He [Leonard] did not want SGA.”
That’s a heavy accusation - and a loaded one. Let’s unpack it.
The Cost of Kawhi
When Kawhi Leonard chose the Clippers in free agency, it wasn’t just a signature on a contract. It came with a condition: bring in another star. That led to the blockbuster trade for Paul George, a move that cost the Clippers a treasure trove of draft picks and, most notably, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - who has since blossomed into one of the league’s premier guards in Oklahoma City.
In hindsight, Perkins’ frustration taps into a growing sentiment among some fans and analysts: that the Clippers mortgaged their future for a window that never fully opened. Injuries, inconsistency, and playoff exits have defined the Kawhi-PG era far more than banners or parades.
A Star on His Own Terms
Perkins didn’t stop with the trade demands. He added, *“Kawhi Leonard only gives a damn about Kawhi Leonard.”
- That’s a strong statement, but it echoes a long-running conversation around Leonard’s availability and approach. He’s famously private, often quiet, and has a history of load management and injury-related absences that have limited his time on the floor.
While his talent is undeniable - Leonard is a two-time Finals MVP and one of the most complete two-way players of his generation - availability has been a persistent issue. And in a league where chemistry, continuity, and leadership matter just as much as raw skill, that absence can be felt beyond the box score.
What If the Clippers Had Kept SGA?
This is the hypothetical that won’t go away. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become a superstar in Oklahoma City, leading the Thunder with poise and explosiveness. He’s young, durable, and arguably the kind of franchise cornerstone the Clippers hoped Leonard would help them become.
Perkins’ point - that the Clippers might already be champions had they kept SGA - is speculative, sure, but it’s not outlandish. The idea that the franchise gave up a future MVP candidate for a pair of stars who haven’t delivered the ultimate prize is a tough pill for Clippers fans to swallow.
Off-Court Noise
Perkins also alluded to off-court issues surrounding Leonard that surfaced in the offseason. While details remain murky, the implication is that Leonard’s impact on the franchise extends beyond the hardwood - and not necessarily in a positive way.
It all adds up to a complicated legacy in Los Angeles. Kawhi’s arrival was supposed to signal a new era of Clippers basketball, one that would finally lift the franchise out of the Lakers’ shadow. Instead, it’s been a rollercoaster of hope, injuries, and what-ifs.
Final Take
Perkins may be loud, and his delivery isn’t always subtle, but the core of his argument is worth considering. The Clippers went all-in on Kawhi Leonard - and they’re still waiting on the payoff. Whether that gamble ever delivers a championship remains to be seen, but the cost is already clear.
And if the Clippers fall short again this season, expect that conversation to get even louder.