It was another rather disappointing season for the Golden State Warriors, an organization that’s used to winning NBA championships. I don’t want to say that any season that doesn’t end in a championship for the Warriors at this stage should be viewed as a disappointment, but most fans would probably see it that way.
The Warriors still have some very good talent, as well as a superstar in Stephen Curry, who’s only getting older. That’s something that the Warriors will have to figure out this offseason, and they need to give Curry another chance to win a championship.
The Trade Scenario: Leonard to Golden State
It’s uncertain who the Warriors could even go after at this point, as there isn’t a guarantee that anybody will be available star-wise in a trade this offseason until it happens, but some have floated the idea that Kawhi Leonard is one of the players who could be.
Leonard, still one of the better players in the NBA, wouldn’t require the same type of haul that the Warriors would have to give up in comparison to somebody like Giannis Antetokounmpo, if he becomes available.
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jimmy Butler, Will Richard, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick swap
“The Warriors’ angle is simple. They just went 37-45, ranked 18th in offensive rating, 17th in defensive rating, and 20th in net rating. That is not a roster that needs another small tweak. That is a roster that needs a sharper top-end fit around Stephen Curry before facing the Suns in the Play-In,” Fran Leiva wrote.
Giving up two first-round picks plus Butler wouldn’t be ideal for the Warriors, but it might be what has to happen to land a player of his caliber. Frankly, however, I’d be a bit surprised to see the Warriors want to get rid of two picks, Butler, and then a young player in Richard.
Why the Warriors Would Consider It
The Warriors’ window with Curry is closing. The 38-year-old point guard averaged 26.6 points per game this season , but he missed 39 games with runner’s knee. Jimmy Butler, acquired in a blockbuster trade in February 2025, tore his ACL in January and missed 44 games . The supporting cast is aging, and the roster lacks the depth and top-end talent to compete with the Western Conference’s elite.
Leonard, when healthy, is a top-10 player. He averaged 27.9 points per game this season, his highest since leaving San Antonio, while shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from three . He is a two-time Finals MVP and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. A Curry-Leonard duo, with Draymond Green as the defensive anchor, would instantly become one of the most formidable trios in the league.
Why the Clippers Would Consider It
The Clippers’ championship window with Leonard and Paul George has slammed shut. The team was eliminated in the play-in tournament this season, and Leonard’s contract situation is uncertain. He is entering the final year of his deal, and the Clippers may decide to pivot toward a rebuild rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Butler, despite his injury, is a proven playoff performer. When healthy, he is one of the best two-way wings in the game. His contract is expensive, but it expires after next season, giving the Clippers flexibility. Will Richard is a young, inexpensive rotational piece who has shown promise . The two first-round picks (2028 and a swap in 2030) would give the Clippers ammunition to restock their cupboard of young talent.
The Risks
The risks for the Warriors are significant. Leonard has a long history of knee problems. He missed the entire 2021-22 season with a torn ACL, and he has been limited to 65 games or fewer in four of his six seasons with the Clippers . Trading two first-round picks, Butler, and Richard for a player who might not be able to stay on the floor is a gamble.
Butler is a beloved figure in the Warriors’ locker room. Trading him after he sacrificed his body for the team could send a negative message to the rest of the roster.
The Alternative: Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Warriors have also been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose relationship with the Milwaukee Bucks has become increasingly strained . The Bucks missed the playoffs this season, and Antetokounmpo called it “one of the toughest seasons of my career” .
However, the price for Antetokounmpo would be significantly higher. The Bucks would demand a package of young players and draft picks that the Warriors simply do not have. Leonard is the more realistic target.
What the Experts Are Saying
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Anthony Slater reported that the Warriors came close to acquiring Leonard at the trade deadline before the Clippers backed out . “Either way, sources said there’s an expectation the Warriors could reengage the Clippers on Leonard’s availability this offseason” .
The belief is that the Clippers’ ownership, led by Steve Ballmer, was unwilling to move Leonard mid-season. But with the team’s season over and Leonard’s contract winding down, their stance may have softened.
The Verdict: A Risk Worth Taking
The Warriors are at a crossroads. Their dynasty is fading. Their core is aging. Their championship window is closing.
Trading for Kawhi Leonard is a risk. He has a long history of injuries. He is 34 years old. He is owed $50.3 million next season.
But the Warriors have never been afraid of bold moves. They traded for Durant. They traded for Butler. They traded for Porzingis.
Now, they have their sights set on Leonard. And if they can pull it off, they will have one of the most formidable duos in the league: Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard.
It is a gamble worth taking. Because for the Warriors, the alternative is watching their dynasty fade without a fight. And that is not how champions go out.