The Golden State Warriors are expected to be among the most aggressive suitors for Kawhi Leonard this offseason, with reports indicating they may already have a concrete trade framework in place. With Stephen Curry still performing at an elite level, Golden State appears determined to make one final push for championship contention, and acquiring the two-time NBA Finals MVP could provide the perfect veteran boost alongside Curry and Draymond Green.
According to Fadeaway World, the most likely trade package would look like this:
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jimmy Butler, Will Richard, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick swap
This proposal centers on salary matching, as Butler’s massive contract—projected around $56 million for the upcoming season—serves as the primary piece to balance Leonard’s deal. The inclusion of young talent in Will Richard and valuable draft compensation, including a future first-round pick and a pick swap, adds significant appeal for the rebuilding-oriented Clippers.
Why the Warriors Would Pursue This Deal
Jimmy Butler’s season-ending torn ACL injury, suffered in January, derailed Golden State’s hopes of a deep playoff run and left the team without one of its key contributors for the remainder of the campaign. Butler is expected to miss a substantial portion of next season during recovery, with best-case projections still pointing to several months on the sidelines.
His hefty salary becomes a major liability if he cannot contribute reliably, especially as the Warriors prioritize maximizing Curry’s remaining prime years. Trading Butler represents the most realistic path to dramatically upgrade the roster for 2026-27. Leonard, despite his own well-documented injury history, offers a proven two-way superstar who can elevate any lineup when healthy. His expiring contract also provides flexibility, allowing Golden State to preserve other assets for depth or additional moves rather than depleting the roster entirely for a single star.
This move carries clear risks—Leonard’s age and injury track record mirror some of the concerns surrounding Butler—but it aligns with an “all-in” mentality for a franchise seeking one last title window around its legendary point guard. As one analysis noted, this would be a bold swing rather than a safe bet, but the on-court fit and numbers make it compelling.
Why the Clippers Might Accept
The Clippers have already signaled a shift in direction. By trading away James Harden and Ivica Zubac earlier this season, Los Angeles moved away from an immediate all-in contention strategy and began integrating younger pieces like Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin. While Kawhi Leonard delivered a strong bounce-back season and remained a respected leader, the front office appears focused on long-term roster flexibility and accelerating a rebuild or retool around emerging talent.
In this proposed deal, the Clippers would receive Butler’s expiring contract (which could clear significant cap space after one season), a promising young player in Will Richard, and two valuable future first-round assets. These picks represent the real selling point, offsetting Butler’s age and injury concerns while providing draft capital to support their timeline. Los Angeles could even envision Butler stepping into a similar veteran leadership role to Leonard’s—if he returns healthy and productive—buying time as Garland and Mathurin develop.
The combination offers the Clippers a cleaner path forward without fully committing to a lengthy rebuild, balancing present competitiveness with future upside.
A High-Stakes Gamble for Golden State
Ultimately, the Warriors face a difficult choice: remain loyal to an injured Jimmy Butler or make the aggressive move necessary to improve their chances of another championship. Leonard would join Curry in what could be a formidable veteran core, but the deal hinges on the Clippers viewing the return package as sufficient value for their longtime star.
Injuries remain a central question for both sides—Butler’s recovery and Leonard’s durability will weigh heavily on any final decision. Still, if Golden State is serious about contending while Curry is still at his best, this type of calculated gamble fits the franchise’s history of bold, championship-driven decisions.
As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Warriors and Clippers can finalize such a framework or if competing offers alter the landscape. For now, this reported package stands as the most realistic blueprint for bringing Kawhi Leonard to the Bay Area.