NBA trade proposal sends Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard to Pistons

The Clippers may not be headed for a rebuild, but many around the NBA believe change is coming.

And whenever that happens, Kawhi Leonard’s name tends to enter the conversation.

In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey put together several hypothetical Leonard trade ideas. One of the more intriguing proposals would send the two-time Finals MVP to the Pistons.

Under Bailey’s proposal, Detroit would receive Leonard, while the Clippers would acquire Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland and a 2031 first-round pick.

Again, this is merely a trade proposal, not a report that discussions have taken place.

Still, it’s an interesting concept.

The move would give Detroit a veteran superstar to pair alongside All-Stars Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren while allowing the Pistons to keep rising wing Ausar Thompson.

If healthy, Leonard would instantly become one of the most accomplished players ever to wear a Pistons uniform.

The future Hall of Famer averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season while shooting 50.5% from the field, 38.7% from three-point range and 89.2% from the free-throw line. Perhaps most encouraging, he appeared in 65 games, his highest total in several years.

Leonard is entering the final season of his contract and is scheduled to earn $50.3 million in 2026-27.

From the Clippers’ perspective, Bailey’s proposal would create significant financial flexibility while bringing back multiple rotation pieces, a promising young player in Holland and a future first-round pick.

Whether Los Angeles has any interest in moving Leonard remains unknown.

But with the offseason underway and the Clippers no longer viewed as a clear championship contender, hypothetical scenarios involving Leonard are likely to keep coming.

And a pairing of Leonard and Cunningham would certainly make the Pistons one of the NBA’s most fascinating teams to watch.