Kawhi Leonard is entering the final season of his current contract with the Los Angeles Clippers and his potential trade status is being monitored by rival teams. Leonard could sign a contract extension with the Clippers and continue to be their franchise player, or they could consider a pivot around Darius Garland and their pick at No. 5 in Tuesday’s draft.

“There are multiple teams monitoring Kawhi Leonard here over the next few weeks,” said Shams Charania on Tuesday.

“I don’t think the draft is necessarily dependent on Kawhi Leonard’s future, but I think in the coming days and weeks we’ll start to learn a little bit more about the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and a potential outside team as well.”

The Golden State Warriors discussed a Leonard trade with the Clippers ahead of the trade deadline in February and could revisit those talks. Steve Ballmer has so far been resistant on the possibility of trading Leonard.

Leonard’s $50.3 million expiring contract would require a significant extension as part of any deal, making a trade a considerable long-term commitment for any acquiring team. Any package would also include a mix of players and future draft capital.

Leonard was a Second Team All-NBA selection in 2025-26, playing perhaps his best basketball since the 2019-20 season.