The Golden State Warriors are gearing up for what could be another aggressive offseason pursuit, with Giannis Antetokounmpo still the primary target — but league insiders are now highlighting another elite two-way wing as an “obvious” Plan B: Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater made the case on The Hoop Collective podcast, noting Leonard aligns perfectly with Golden State’s needs:
“He’d be an obvious Warriors candidate as well. Obviously, they’ve been in the Giannis chase, but they need a big wing who can score and defend.”
Kawhi’s Resurgence Fuels the Buzz
Leonard has quietly rediscovered his All-NBA form after years of injury setbacks. On Wednesday night, he delivered a clutch 13-foot contested turnaround fadeaway (part of a three-point play) with two seconds left to lift the Clippers to a 105–102 comeback win over the Houston Rockets. He finished with a game-high 27 points (19 in the fourth quarter) — his 33rd consecutive 20-point game, the third-longest single-season streak and fourth-longest overall in Clippers history (per ESPN Research).
“He’s a shotmaker,” said Rockets forward Kevin Durant postgame. “He can make shots from all over the floor… He’s just patient out there — one of the greatest of all time.”
Contract & Clippers Uncertainty Create Opening
2-Time Finals MVP ‘Obvious’ Warriors Trade Target After Giannis – Heavy Sports
Leonard’s resurgence comes amid growing questions about the Clippers’ direction. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted on the same podcast:
“Trust me, there were trade talks involving Kawhi. I don’t know if anything ever got serious, but teams called — because why wouldn’t they? I expect them to re-engage over the summer.”
Leonard is set to earn $50.3 million in the final year of his contract in 2026-27, making his long-term future in LA uncertain — especially with the franchise under league investigation for potential salary-cap circumvention tied to the environmental firm Aspire. If the Clippers lean toward a reset (following trades of James Harden and Ivica Zubac), Leonard could become attainable.
Why Leonard Fits the Warriors’ Blueprint
Golden State’s championship runs have always featured elite two-way wings (Durant, Wiggins). After trading Wiggins in the Butler deal, the team has been searching for a long-term replacement who can score at a high level and anchor defense. Leonard checks both boxes:
Proven Finals MVP pedigree (two titles, two Finals MVPs)Elite mid-range and isolation scoringTop-tier perimeter defense when healthyPlayoff performer who elevates in big moments
The Warriors explored Trey Murphy III from New Orleans but couldn’t pry him loose. Milwaukee ultimately held onto Giannis past the deadline. Leonard now emerges as a realistic pivot — a proven star who could maximize the remaining window around Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis.
Warriors’ Offseason Leverage
Golden State enters the summer with flexibility — up to four future first-round picks and cap maneuvering room. If Antetokounmpo remains unavailable, Leonard represents a high-upside alternative who could reshape their ceiling as contenders.
The Clippers’ willingness to move him — and Leonard’s own openness to a new chapter — will be key. But league insiders are treating this as a realistic target rather than pure speculation.
Warriors fans, would you rather go all-in for Giannis or pivot to Kawhi Leonard if Milwaukee holds firm? Does adding Kawhi (even at 34) give Golden State a legitimate title window in 2026-27? Or is the injury history too big a risk?