Spurs’ best Kawhi Leonard trade offer to Clippers right now after bombshell rumor

The latest buzz in the rumor mill suggests that if the Los Angeles Clippers were to trade Kawhi Leonard, he would only want to be dealt to two teams, one of which being the San Antonio Spurs. Reuniting with the organization he began his NBA career with, and teaming up with Victor Wembanyama, could be how the franchise gets over the hump to win a title after losing the 2025-26 Finals.

If the Spurs are interested, what kind of deal would the front office have to make to land the 34-year-old forward? How many assets would the team have to give up to get that deal finalized with Los Angeles? It really comes down to the finances making sense, and once that is determined, then San Antonio would likely have to give up some draft capital.

But before I go into the exact details of what might be the best trade offer the Spurs can make for Leonard, it’s important to first note that San Antonio may not be interested in a reunion with the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

NBA insider Jake Fischer suggested that could be the case, as the front office may not be willing to give up future assets for the aging 14-year veteran. Additionally, Leonard’s departure in 2018 was a bit messy and may have burned a bridge with the Spurs’ organization.

“Sources close to the situation tell ‘The Stein Line’ that, when it comes to potential trade talks, there are only two other teams that Leonard would consider signing an extension with: The two teams he played for before becoming a Clipper. Toronto and San Antonio,” said Fischer.

“It is not yet clear how the Spurs would receive the idea of a reunion with Leonard,” continued Fischer, “given the manner in which they are flourishing in the Victor Wembanyama Era … on top of the sides’ infamously messy parting in the summer of 2018.”

But if the Spurs were to set aside their possible differences with Kawhi Leonard, adding him to the roster and teaming him up with the 7-foot-5 phenom might be the missing piece to San Antonio winning its sixth championship in franchise history. Furthermore, the seven-time All-Star would be playing alongside a more developed Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, giving the club a monstrous outlook for next season.

Spurs’ best trade offer to Clippers for Kawhi Leonard

It’s important to keep in mind that this would be an all-in move for the Spurs. Meanwhile, the Clippers would be acquiring some solid talent, along with future assets, to help rebuild the roster. And because of Leonard’s $50.3 million salary for next season, San Antonio is going to have to give up at least two talented players for the 6-foot-7 forward just so the deal works financially.

Considering Los Angeles would be giving up a superstar-caliber forward, the front office might be wanting a replacement for that position. That makes Keldon Johnson a prime trade candidate in this deal. Johnson, who would be a downgrade for the Clippers, plays small forward and power forward. But he would at least give L.A. some consistency in that role amid the rebuild.

The other key piece in this trade idea might be a bit tricky. Los Angeles may not be interested in acquiring a player in the backcourt, considering the club added point guard Darius Garland before the trade deadline last season, then used the No. 5 pick overall on ex-Illinois guard Keaton Wagler.

However, Los Angeles may not have a choice, as financially speaking, the only other players who could help bring this trade to fruition come from the Spurs’ backcourt. Considering De’Aaron Fox is a point guard just like Garland, and carries a $49.5 million salary himself, we can rule him out. That leaves Devin Vassell as the only other option for San Antonio to offer.

Between Keldon Johnson ($18 million) and Devin Vassell ($27.5 million), the two add up to $45.5 million in salary for the 2026-27 season. Johnson is due to hit free agency in 2027, while Vassell still has three years remaining on his contract. Their contracts match financially in a possible Kawhi Leonard trade.

However, that is not likely to get the deal done. The Clippers will want some young assets included in the deal to help with the rebuild. Even with Leonard well into his 30s. But Johnson and Vassell could be what at least gets L.A. interested enough to start trade talks with San Antonio.

Spurs’ No. 20 overall pick Jayden Quaintance, who is expected to sign a standard four-year $18.9 million deal ($4.7 million annually), might be an incoming rookie who intrigues the Clippers. Especially considering L.A. desperately needs improvement in the frontcourt after trading Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers. Add a couple of future first-round picks, and L.A. could be shaking hands with San Antonio on a deal.

So, the official best offer the Spurs could make to the Clippers for Kawhi Leonard is Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Jayden Quaintance, Atlanta Hawks 2027 1st round pick (that’s the Spurs’ only guaranteed pick next year), and the Spurs’ 2029 first round pick (lottery protected).

The Spurs’ potential starting lineup after this potential deal would likely be De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Kawhi Leonard, and Victor Wembanyama. Add some enticing free agents to the mix to improve the depth, and San Antonio could find itself back in the NBA Finals representing the Western Conference next year.

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