The LA Clippers made significant moves at the NBA trade deadline, first sending star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland. Even more surprising was their decision to trade center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers, acquiring Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and several draft picks in return. These sudden trades marked a major shift in the Clippers’ strategy, signaling a roster overhaul aimed at future growth.
Leonard Becomes the Longest-Serving Player on Clippers
With Harden’s departure, Kawhi Leonard now stands as the longest-tenured member of the Clippers, essentially the last remaining player from recent seasons. Leonard expressed his feelings about the Zubac trade following a game against the Sacramento Kings, reflecting on Zubac’s development and impact on the team since Leonard joined the franchise.
I believe he was probably about 20 or 21 years old when I first got here,
Leonard remarked.
He was maybe in his third year in the league, so he just kept working and over time he got to the guy that stayed in the fourth quarter and hold down the fort for us in the paint. Also got very skilled in the post, causing double-teams on the mismatch or on guys his size. He had a great development, he’s playing well, and he’ll still have a chance to win in Indiana when Tyrese gets back and they get their whole group in full. It’s not the worst, I told him, so just enjoy his child and he’ll have a chance to play for a championship.
– Kawhi Leonard
Emotional Impact of Losing a Teammate
While the trade involving Harden had been anticipated for a while, Zubac’s move caught many off guard, leaving a noticeable void within the organization. Leonard described the trade as a personal loss, emphasizing the close bond formed between teammates during a grueling NBA season.
It’s almost like losing a brother,
Leonard said.
We see these people, the players around here more than we see our families, in a sense, throughout the NBA season. just somebody that will be missed. Like you said, I played a lot of games with him, a lot of battles. He’s a face that we’re gonna miss in the locker room.
– Kawhi Leonard
Team’s Mid-Season Turnaround Demonstrated Potential
Since December 20th, when the Clippers held a disappointing 6-21 record, Leonard and the team have orchestrated an impressive comeback, winning 17 out of the next 21 games. This 17-4 stretch represented the best record in the NBA during that period and positioned the Clippers as contenders for a play-in tournament spot. However, the recent trades have brought uncertainty about their competitiveness moving forward this season.
Balancing Youth and Experience Amid Roster Changes
Coming into the 2025-26 season as the oldest NBA team in history, the Clippers have made a deliberate effort to inject youth and accumulate assets for future success. Leonard acknowledged this strategic shift, accepting the franchise’s decision to rebuild while expressing hope for a rebound late in the season.
We were just trying to get younger. We came in the year with the oldest team. It makes sense for them to try to get some assets and try to build for the future. It’s a big class coming in 2027, hopefully. They gotta do what’s best for them. I thought we were tracking well the last six weeks. Everybody has human nature. It’s a complete turnaround from what I thought we could potentially do. Not saying we were contenders, but we thought we could make some noise or mess someone’s season up. Now the tides changed. We’ll get back into it, hopefully after All-Star.
– Kawhi Leonard
Standing on the Cusp of the Western Conference Play-In
Following the trade deadline, the Clippers secured consecutive victories against the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves. With two more games pending against the Houston Rockets before the NBA All-Star break, the team holds a 25-27 record. They sit ninth in the Western Conference standings, narrowly ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers by half a game and trailing the Golden State Warriors by 2.5 games for the eighth seed.
Kawhi Leonard’s Performance Remains a Key Factor
Throughout 39 appearances this season, Kawhi Leonard has delivered strong all-around performances. He is averaging 28 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.1 steals, and 2.7 made three-pointers per game, shooting efficiently with 49.5 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc. Leonard’s consistent production continues to be a cornerstone for the Clippers amid ongoing roster changes.
Kawhi Leonard, on his emotions finding out Ivica Zubac was traded: “It’s almost like losing a brother. We see these people, the players around here more than we see our families, in a sense, during the NBA season. … He’s a face that we’re gonna miss in the locker [room].” pic.twitter.com/todLmJwX6V
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) February 7, 2026
