The Los Angeles Clippers keep getting calls about Kawhi Leonard. And they keep hanging up.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, multiple teams have reached out to the Clippers both at the trade deadline and during this offseason to check on Leonard’s availability. The list includes the Warriors, the Timberwolves, and the Pistons. And every time, the Clippers have made it clear: he’s not going anywhere.
That’s not stopping teams from trying. But the Clippers’ front office isn’t budging. And Leonard’s camp hasn’t given them any reason to think he wants out either. There’s been no indication from Kawhi or his people that he’s unhappy in LA. So for now, the phone calls are a one-sided conversation.
Why the Clippers Are All In on Kawhi
Part of the reason is simple: Leonard just had a monster season. At 34 years old (he’ll turn 35 next season), he looked like the Kawhi of old. He averaged 27.9 points on 50.5% shooting from the field, grabbed 6.3 rebounds, dished out 3.6 assists, and picked off 1.9 steals per game. And he played 65 games, which is a big deal for a guy whose health has been a constant question mark.
The Clippers got bounced in the Play-In tournament, so the season didn’t end the way anyone wanted. But Leonard’s individual performance was a bright spot. He proved he can still be a star when he’s on the floor.
The front office has also been trying to build around him more intelligently. Trading James Harden wasn’t just about moving on from a failed experiment. It was about clearing cap space and adding a younger, more dynamic guard in Darius Garland to play alongside Leonard. That’s the kind of move that signals long-term commitment, not a rebuild.
The NBA Investigation Lingers in the Background
There’s also that other thing. You know, the whole NBA investigation into whether the Clippers broke salary cap rules when they signed Leonard back in 2019. That situation is still ongoing, and nobody really knows how it’s going to shake out. But so far, it hasn’t changed how the Clippers are operating. They’re acting like Kawhi is their guy for the foreseeable future.
Will that change if the investigation leads to penalties? Maybe. But right now, the Clippers are treating Leonard like the cornerstone of the franchise. The trade rumors are just noise.
For teams like Golden State, Minnesota, and Detroit, they’ll keep dialing. But for now, they’re getting a busy signal.
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