Before the NBA trade deadline last month, the Philadelphia 76ers explored a major roster upgrade centered on Kawhi Leonard as they aimed to strengthen the core around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers ultimately did not finalize any star acquisitions but did trade second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder, securing future draft picks in the process. The push for Leonard was part of the team’s strategy to revitalize its championship hopes, according to NBA insider Kevin O’Connor.
Officials within the organization reportedly engaged in discussions about Leonard, reflecting Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey’s known inclination for bold moves targeting elite players. Despite these inquiries, no trade materialized, with the team instead opting to reduce payroll and maintain its existing roster framework.
“Executives have said that the Sixers were actively making calls pre-deadline, though nothing seemed remotely close,”
an NBA report noted.
“Some sources suggest that Morey was star hunting with Kawhi Leonard being a name that was connected to Philly. But nothing happened. So Embiid, Maxey, and the team saw McCain get dealt, the tax get ducked, and no pieces brought in to help.”
– Kevin O’Connor, NBA insider
Context of Kawhi Leonard’s Status with the Clippers
Kawhi Leonard, a two-time Finals MVP and standout two-way player, is signed with the Los Angeles Clippers through the 2026-27 season under a three-year extension worth approximately $149.5 million. His salary cap hit and injury history have created challenges in moving him from LA, a factor that likely influenced the viability of any trade discussions involving the Sixers.
Leonard has been a dominant scorer when healthy, but concerns about his durability persist. The Clippers have consistently built their championship aspirations around him, making him their franchise centerpiece by parting ways with James Harden at the trade deadline. This move signaled their commitment to Leonard as the team’s main star moving forward.
Clippers Navigating Future Plans with Leonard
While the Clippers remain hopeful that Leonard will maintain his health and continue to perform at a high level, they have also been active in acquiring younger talent, such as Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, signaling an interest in balancing their roster with rising stars. Head coach Tyronn Lue has emphasized that the franchise envisions Leonard as a crucial piece of their future ambitions.
After a difficult 6-21 start to the season, the Clippers have improved their play and are aiming to compete in meaningful games as the postseason approaches. Leonard’s presence is central to those aspirations, while the organization continues to evaluate its long-term direction amid roster adjustments.
Daryl Morey was reportedly looking to add Kawhi Leonard to the Sixers at the deadline, per @KevinOConnor
“Executives have said that the Sixers were actively making calls pre-deadline, though nothing seemed remotely close. Some sources suggest that Morey was star hunting with… pic.twitter.com/bKRNkNOW54
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 4, 2026
