In the lead-up to the NBA trade deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks showed interest in acquiring Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers, targeting All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo as a potential trade centerpiece. The Bucks emerged as late contenders in talks involving Leonard, who was ultimately retained by the Clippers for the remainder of the season, though his long-term status remains unclear beyond 2025-26.
There could still be a major move involving Leonard during the offseason, as suggested by NBA analyst Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
There were two teams in particular that were pursuing Giannis that had made calls to the Clippers about Kawhi Leonard, checking in on his availability,
Siegel said.
“If he’s still on the Clippers roster heading into the summer and his contract is not voided, he’s going to be entering the final year of his deal I believe it’s like $50.3 million.”
Regardless of how old he is, as long as he’s healthy, it’s going to be viewed like another scenario of when the Spurs traded him to the Toronto Raptors. It’s the final year of his contract. He can still be a big piece on a championship team even though that’s years later. We saw what Kawhi Leonard can do.
The unexpected trade request from James Harden, combined with the Clippers’ trade for Ivica Zubac from the Indiana Pacers, prompted a renewed flurry of interest from teams regarding Leonard’s availability.
The Possibility of Kawhi Leonard Returning to Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard’s status with the Clippers has been a frequent subject of speculation, and further trade discussions are anticipated as the offseason approaches, according to Brett Siegel.
It was then that the Toronto Raptors traded for Leonard without knowing what the future held for him in free agency. That move led Toronto to their first NBA championship,
Siegel explained.
Something similar could happen with Leonard this upcoming offseason. Maybe, just maybe, a return to the Raptors to compete for another championship is a scenario we could see play out.
The offseason could also spark renewed negotiations involving the Raptors, who have expressed interest in Ivica Zubac, or the Bucks, who remain active suitors amid ongoing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks.
What Leonard’s Movement Could Mean for the NBA Landscape
Trade discussions centered on Giannis Antetokounmpo have notably involved Kawhi Leonard as a significant figure, reflecting the Bucks’ willingness to make bold moves. Leonard’s potential departure from the Clippers would have ripple effects across the league, especially for contenders like the Raptors aiming for another title run. As the offseason unfolds, front offices will weigh Leonard’s contract situation, health, and championship pedigree in their strategies.
With Leonard entering the final year of his contract, his availability will likely become a focal point for teams looking to build championship-caliber rosters, keeping NBA fans attentive to what could be a pivotal offseason in league history.
. @TomerAzarly and @BrettSiegelNBA are live to talk NBA All-Star, tanking problems + some early NBA Offseason intel!https://t.co/duIKN4TFxL
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2026
