Kawhi Leonard Shines at All-Star Game - and Could Be the Star Portland’s Been Waiting For
Kawhi Leonard reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most efficient scorers in the league during the All-Star Game, and he did it right in his own backyard. Playing in front of the home crowd at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome, Leonard put on a clinic - 31 points on 11-of-13 shooting - as Team USA Stripes took down Team World in the NBA’s revamped All-Star format.
At 34 years old, Leonard didn’t just show up - he showed out. The game may have had a new look with its round-robin tournament style, but the intensity was up, and Leonard met the moment. For a player often scrutinized for his load management during the regular season, this was a clear message: when Kawhi suits up, he’s still a force.
And that performance may have stirred up more than just cheers from the home crowd. It may have reignited conversations about where Leonard could land next - and why a team like the Portland Trail Blazers should be paying close attention.
Why Portland Should Be Watching Closely
Portland had representation in the All-Star festivities too, with Deni Avdija earning his first nod - a well-deserved recognition for a player who’s taken a big leap this season. But let’s be real: Avdija can’t carry the Blazers into contention alone.
The Western Conference is stacked with star power, and if Portland wants to level up, they’ll need to pair their rising talent with a proven veteran who can take over games. Kawhi Leonard fits that bill.
The Blazers kept things relatively quiet at the trade deadline, only making a small move to bring in sharpshooter Vit Krejci from Atlanta. It was a depth move, not a headline-grabber. But the bigger picture is clear: Portland’s front office is gearing up for something bigger, and that moment could arrive this summer.
New ownership is on the horizon, and the Blazers have a compelling mix of young assets, cap flexibility, and a core that’s starting to grow into itself. Add in the potential return of Damian Lillard - who reminded fans of his shooting prowess with another 3-Point Contest win - and you’ve got the makings of a team that’s just one major piece away from becoming a real problem in the West.
Could Kawhi Be That Piece?
It’s not out of the question. The Clippers made some significant moves at the deadline, shipping out Ivica Zubac and replacing James Harden with Darius Garland - a younger, dynamic guard who represents a shift in direction. Suddenly, Leonard finds himself as the elder statesman on a team that’s clearly pivoting toward the future.
That shift didn’t go unnoticed around the league. According to reports, the Clippers received multiple trade inquiries about Leonard before the deadline.
They held firm - for now. But with Leonard’s contract set to expire after next season, the clock is ticking.
If L.A. is truly resetting its timeline, moving on from Leonard this offseason becomes a very real possibility.
And that’s where Portland comes in.
Leonard wouldn’t come without risk. He’s 34, has dealt with injuries, and could potentially be a one-year rental.
But we’ve seen this story before. Toronto took that gamble, and it ended with a championship parade.
For a Blazers team that’s been stuck in the middle for too long, this could be the kind of high-upside swing that changes everything.
The Fit in Portland
On the court, Leonard’s two-way game would be a seamless fit with Portland’s current roster. He brings elite perimeter defense, playoff experience, and the ability to take over late in games - exactly what a young core needs to take the next step. Pair him with Avdija, Krejci, and a healthy Lillard, and suddenly Portland has a lineup that can hang with anyone.
Off the court, Leonard’s quiet, businesslike approach would mesh well with a franchise that’s trying to build a winning culture without the drama. He doesn’t need the spotlight - he just needs the ball in his hands when it matters most.
A Summer to Watch
The All-Star Game gave us a glimpse of vintage Kawhi - efficient, focused, and unguardable. It also gave teams like Portland a reason to believe that he might be gettable. The Blazers have the assets, the motivation, and soon, the ownership structure to make a bold move.
If Leonard becomes available, Portland should be ready to pounce. Because for a team that’s been searching for its next big moment, Kawhi might just be the answer they’ve been waiting for.