Regardless of how the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season plays out for the Golden State Warriors, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob are expected to be active in the trade market once the offseason begins. Pairing LeBron James and Stephen Curry remains the dream for a large portion of Warriors fans. However, Golden State will have multiple options available should LeBron opt to take his talents elsewhere or even retire.
According to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, Kawhi Leonard could be a smart trade target for the Warriors. Leonard will be entering the final season of his three-year $149.5 million contract once the 2026-27 campaign is underway. He would provide elite defense, shotmaking and some tertiary playmaking to help ease the burden on Stephen Curry.
“Kawhi Leonard increases the variance for the Warriors’ range of outcomes with his own murky health bill,” Favale wrote. “The risk-reward profile is well worth it when Jimmy Butler would be the matching salary and is going to miss part of next season anyway. Fun Guy should also cost fewer picks than Giannis or Mitchell and still permits the front office to play its “See?! We’re trying!” card.”
When healthy, Leonard is still one of the best forwards in the NBA. He brings championship experience and would likely slot in well with Golden State’s veteran core. However, his injury history could give the franchise cause for pause, especially when the cost of doing business would be trading away Jimmy Butler, who has proven to be a good fit next to Stephen Curry.
Of course, there is no guarantee the LA Clippers would be willing to trade away their star player. However, if they do decide to part ways with Leonard, Golden State could be a logical landing spot for the veteran forward, at least in the short-term.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: 2-Time NBA Champion Names As Potential Warriors Trade Target In Summer
Reporting by Adam Taylor, Warriors Wire / Warriors Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
