NBA trade proposal sends Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard to Warriors

Could Kawhi Leonard be headed to the Warriors? Probably not.

But one recent trade proposal imagines exactly that scenario.

In a hypothetical offseason exercise, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggested a deal that would send Leonard from the Clippers to the Warriors in exchange for Jimmy Butler, the No. 11 overall pick in this month’s draft and a 2031 first-round pick swap.

To be clear, there has been no indication that such a trade is being discussed.

Still, the proposal is interesting given the uncertainty surrounding both franchises.

The Warriors remain firmly in win-now mode with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green still leading the way, while the Clippers face questions about their long-term direction after moving James Harden to the Cavaliers and Ivica Zubac to the Pacers at the trade deadline.

Leonard would certainly fit Golden State’s timeline.

The two-time Finals MVP is coming off one of his healthiest seasons in years, appearing in 65 games while averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He shot 50.5 percent from the field, 38.7 percent from three-point range and 89.2 percent from the free-throw line.

The Warriors reportedly explored Leonard’s availability before this year’s trade deadline, according to Dallas Hoops Journal, though nothing materialized.

Adding Leonard to a core featuring Curry and Green would create one of the league’s most accomplished veteran trios.

Whether Golden State would be willing to part with Butler and draft assets to make it happen is another question.

Either way, the proposal remains exactly what it was intended to be — an offseason thought exercise.

But with trade season approaching, it’s unlikely to be the last time Leonard’s name surfaces in speculation.