Offseason trade proposal sends Kevin Durant to Clippers, Kawhi Leonard to Suns

March 20, 2025

One NBA analyst proposed that the Los Angeles Clippers trade Kawhi Leonard to the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant this offseason.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Clippers and Suns:

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns Receive: F Kawhi Leonard, SG Cam Christie, 2031 first-round pick (unprotected), 2030 first-round pick swap rights

“Durant and James Harden had some great moments together with the Brooklyn Nets,” Swartz wrote. “Although a few years older, both were still All-Stars this season and continue to play at a high level. A core of Durant, Harden, Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac, Bogdan Bogdanović, Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn and others would make a real statement in the West, especially with Tyronn Lue captaining the ship. Leonard hasn’t made his usual impact on the Clippers this season (11-9 with him, 22-20 without). Los Angeles should move Leonard if the deal is right.”

Durant will make $54.7 million next season in the final year of his contract, while Leonard will earn $50 million.

The Suns are expected to consult Durant on any trade discussions involving him this offseason. The Golden State Warriors had a deal to acquire Durant at this year’s NBA trade deadline, but Durant blocked it because he didn’t want to get traded “midway through the season.”

Durant is a four-time scoring champion, a two-time champion, a two-time Finals MVP and a one-time MVP. The NBA icon has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Suns.

Meanwhile, Leonard is a two-time champion, a two-time Finals MVP and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He has played for the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Clippers.

Durant is averaging 26.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists for the Suns this season in 57 games. He turns 37 in September.

Leonard, who hasn’t been able to stay healthy since joining the Clippers in 2019, is averaging 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists this season. He turns 34 in June.