NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers Face Massive Decision on Kawhi Leonard This Offseason: Pistons could offer something interesting!

 

There is perhaps no team in the NBA with as many questions to answer this offseason, both on the court and off, than the LA Clippers.

Trading longtime center Ivica Zubac and guard James Harden at the deadline signaled to the rest of the NBA a shift in the organization's priorities — that the Clippers, after years of tantalizing potential and subsequent disappointment, were finally entering a rebuild. The question, then, was: Would that include 34-year-old six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard?

The Clippers said then — and maintain now — that they'd like to "win with Kawhi," and the two-time NBA Finals MVP is eligible for an extension this summer. If the Clippers pivot, Leonard would become the second megastar — after Giannis Antetokounmpo — available in what could shape up to be a spicy offseason.

NBA insiders have examined the trade market and best potential fits for Leonard, including one intriguing package that could entice the Clippers to part ways with their lone remaining superstar.

Proposed Trade: Pistons Land a True Co-Star for Cade Cunningham

Detroit Pistons Get:

• Kawhi Leonard
• 2029 second-round pick (from Memphis via Portland)

LA Clippers Get:

• Duncan Robinson
• Caris LeVert
• Ronald Holland II
• 2027 first-round pick (via Detroit)
• 2029 first-round pick (via Detroit)
• 2031 second-round pick (via Memphis)

Memphis Grizzlies Get:

• Paul Reed

This three-team framework would give the Clippers several key benefits. They would add Ronald Holland II, a promising 20-year-old former top-5 pick with high upside. They would also shed more than $10 million off their salary cap for next season while acquiring two unprotected first-round picks to help rebuild their future asset pool (which has been depleted by previous unfavorable pick swaps).

For the Pistons, adding Kawhi Leonard would provide Cade Cunningham with a proven championship-level co-star. Leonard’s elite two-way play, scoring ability, and long-range shooting would instantly elevate Detroit’s ceiling while complementing their already strong defense.

The Grizzlies would receive Paul Reed, an advanced-stats standout who could fill their center void after previous frontcourt injuries and trades. Reed could provide immediate help or be flipped later for additional assets.

Analysis: High Reward with Manageable Risk for Detroit

As one analyst noted, every offseason features knee-jerk reactions from teams that struggle in the playoffs. However, the Pistons going all-in on Leonard carries relatively limited risk. They would be sending out three rotational players (only one of whom — Duncan Robinson — has seen heavy playoff minutes), a 2027 first-round pick likely in the 20s range, and a future first.

If the Pistons fall short of the Conference Finals again, pursuing Leonard could be exactly the move needed to push them into true contention alongside Cunningham.

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