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Kawhi Leonard drawing trade interest
The Houston Rockets are expected to go star hunting this offseason and are reportedly browsing the trade market for a Kevin Durant co-pilot.
According to a report by The Ringer’s Michael Pina, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Darius Garland are all on the Rockets’ radar as they target another star to add to their roster.
Pina noted that nothing is off the table, including packaging Durant in a trade. Based on the report, though, it seems the Rockets would prefer to provide Durant with more firepower in Houston.
Among the many stars on the Rockets’ trade radar, Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is among the best options.
GettyKawhi Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points in 65 games this season
Leonard, 34, dialed back the clock during the 2025-26 season.
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year Award winner averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 65 games this season. He was selected to his seventh All-Star team in February.
Kawhi Leonard is the first player in NBA history to average their career-high in year 14 or later.
Despite the midseason trade of James Harden, Leonard still powered the Clippers within earshot of a playoff berth.
His 65 games played were his second-most with the Clippers. He played 68 games two years ago after being limited to 37 in 2024-25 due to injuries.
Leonard ranked in the Top 10 in total points scored this season. He finished one spot ahead of Nikola Jokic for ninth.
Following his superb season, there should be plenty of leaguewide interest in Leonard.
The Clippers star turns 35 this summer, but is still among the most elite players in the association.
GettyRockets going star hunting this offseason
One thing was painfully obvious this season for the Rockets: they need a second scoring option.
Far too often, the team was too reliant on the 37-year-old Durant to carry the team.
Although Durant is still among the best scorers in the league, he fulfills his championship aspirations alone.
Partnered with Amen Thompson and Alpren Sengun, who are both streaky scorers, the Rockets’ offense lacks punch. Their anemic offense is a huge reason why they are on the brink of playoff elimination against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Earlier this season, during a podcast appearance, Durant also noted his desire to play alongside elite scorers.
“I don’t need my point guard to get me the ball,” Durant stated. “It’s cool when they do. But, I can go get one on my own. I need them to be aggressive so they can loosen up the rest of the defense for me.”
GettyKawhi Leonard enjoyed a career year in 2025
Despite him turning 35 this summer, Leonard should still fetch a solid haul should the Clippers entertain trade offers.
Los Angeles was able to acquire former All-Star guard Darius Garland for James Harden, and could realistically acquire another All-Star in exchange for Leonard.
Or, perhaps the team could ship the two-time NBA champion for draft compensation.
Either way, Leonard is expected to command heavy interest this summer.
Jalyn Smoot Jalyn Smoot is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has nearly 10 years of experience in local and national media, including print and digital. He previously covered the Texas Rangers for MLB.com and the Philadelphia 76ers for Metro Philadelphia. Smoot is a St. Louis born writer that now resides in Dallas. More about Jalyn Smoot
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