Proposed Trade Package: The Mavericks have offered P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft picks to the Clippers in exchange for Kawhi Leonard, per The Athletic.
Masai Ujiri Factor: Mavericks president Masai Ujiri previously traded for Leonard in 2018 while with Toronto, a move that delivered the Raptors' first and only championship.
Raptors Still in the Mix: Toronto has also been in discussions with the Clippers about a Leonard trade, aiming to be "opportunistic" this offseason.
Leonard's Elite Production: Despite being 34, Leonard averaged a career-high **27.9 points per game** last season on 50.5% shooting, while playing 65 games — his most since 2016-17.
Contract Situation: Leonard is owed **$50.3 million** in the final year of his deal.
Why this matters: A Leonard trade would reshape the Western Conference landscape. Pairing him with Cooper Flagg (the 19-year-old generational rookie) and a returning Kyrie Irving could instantly transform a 26-56 Mavericks team into a contender — but at the cost of future flexibility and draft capital.
The Mavericks finished 27th in offensive efficiency last season after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers. Adding Leonard to a core of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving (returning from a torn ACL) presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario.
However, Ujiri has publicly stated every decision would be "future-based," referencing Flagg's long-term timeline. The proposed deal — Washington, Thompson, and picks — preserves Dallas's young core while adding a proven champion. Yet the Mavericks possess limited draft capital, owing their 2027 first-round pick to Charlotte (top-two protected) and having no control over their 2029 pick.
Toronto's interest stems from the successful 2018-19 season when Leonard led them to the title. With point guard and center listed as primary needs, adding Leonard would be an aggressive opportunistic move. The Raptors have younger assets and more draft flexibility than Dallas, potentially giving them a stronger offer.
After years of load management and injury concerns, Leonard played 65 games in 2025-26 — his second-highest total since 2017. At 34 and earning $50.3M, any acquiring team must weigh short-term championship upside against long-term cap flexibility.
The last time Masai Ujiri traded for Leonard, the return was DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a first-round pick. That deal resulted in an immediate championship. The current offer of Washington, Thompson, and picks mirrors that "win-now" philosophy — though the circumstances in Dallas are vastly different.
What is the proposed trade package for Kawhi Leonard?
The Mavericks have offered P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft picks to the Clippers, per The Athletic.
Why are the Raptors interested in Leonard?
Toronto wants to be "opportunistic" in the trade market. President Masai Ujiri previously acquired Leonard in 2018, leading to the franchise's only championship.
How did Kawhi Leonard perform last season?
He averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range while playing 65 games.
What is Leonard's contract status?
He has one year remaining on his deal, owed $50.3 million for the 2026-27 season.
Do the Mavericks have enough draft capital to complete a trade?
Limited. Dallas owes its 2027 first-round pick to Charlotte (top-two protected) and has no control over its 2029 pick, with 2028 and 2030 picks tied up in swaps.
For Mavs fans: A Leonard acquisition signals an aggressive "win-now" pivot around Flagg and Irving, but comes with significant injury risk and limited future flexibility.
For Clippers fans: Moving Leonard could signal a rebuild, with Washington (four-year, $88.8M extension) and Thompson (expiring $17.5M) offering immediate roster help plus picks.
For Raptors fans: Toronto appears willing to bet on nostalgia and proven championship DNA if the price is right.
How to prepare: Track updates from The Athletic, Hoops Rumors, and The Stein Line as trade discussions intensify during the 2026 offseason.
Do you think Kawhi Leonard is worth the risk for Dallas or Toronto at age 34 with a $50M contract? Would a trio of Leonard, Flagg, and Irving actually work in the loaded Western Conference? Let us know your thoughts!
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