The Clippers continue to hear the speculation surrounding Kawhi Leonard. Apparently, they’re not buying into it.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, owner Steve Ballmer has maintained a firm stance against trading Leonard despite continued interest from rival teams.
That reportedly includes the Warriors, who explored the possibility of acquiring Leonard at various points.
But from the sounds of things, the Clippers never seriously entertained the idea.
Instead, Ballmer remains committed to building around Leonard, who is entering the final year of his contract and scheduled to earn roughly $50 million next season.
When healthy, it’s easy to understand the reasoning.
Leonard appeared in 65 games this past season and averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists while once again showing flashes of the player who once helped lead the Raptors to a championship and earned two Finals MVP awards.
The Clippers still have work to do this offseason. Trading Leonard, however, doesn’t currently appear to be part of the plan.
“Along with the Warriors, Leonard has been linked to the Miami Heat in trade rumors,” wrote Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal. “It will be fascinating to see if Ballmer keeps or trades Leonard, who has been interviewed by NBA investigators as part of the ongoing investigation into allegations that the Clippers circumvented the salary cap to compensate him.”
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