Clippers reportedly could consider Kawhi Leonard trade this offseason

The Los Angeles Clippers still believe they can compete with Kawhi Leonard leading the way.

At least publicly.

But with Leonard entering the final year of his contract and the Clippers holding the No. 5 overall pick in next month’s draft, some around the league continue wondering whether Los Angeles could eventually consider a larger reset.

According to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, league logic suggests the Clippers at least explore Leonard’s trade value this offseason — even if the organization has consistently indicated it wants to keep him.

“The Clippers say they’re not trading him,” Deveney wrote. “But logic dictates they should consider it.”

Leonard remains one of the NBA’s most effective two-way players when healthy, which is what makes the situation so complicated.

Despite ongoing injury concerns throughout recent years, the 34-year-old still played at an elite level this past season and remains the face of the Clippers’ championship hopes.

At the same time, Los Angeles also has several long-term questions looming around the roster.

The Clippers’ core built around Leonard, Paul George and other veteran stars never fully delivered the type of sustained postseason success many expected when the franchise first pushed all-in.

Now, with a top-five draft pick in hand, some league observers believe the Clippers at least have to think about balancing the present with the future.

To be clear, there’s no indication a Leonard trade is imminent.

But after another early playoff exit, it’s probably fair to assume every major option will at least be discussed internally.