Kawhi Leonard may join the Dallas Mavericks, according to a rumor discussed by seven-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson.
What happened?
The Mavericks have had talks with the Los Angeles Clippers about a Leonard trade, with a deal that would send Leonard to Dallas for a package including P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft picks.
The Mavericks recently hired Masai Ujiri as president of basketball operations, who previously acquired Leonard when he was with the Toronto Raptors.
Why it matters for Kawhi Leonard
Leonard is entering the final season of his three-year, $149.5 million deal and will make $50.3 million in 2026-27 before entering unrestricted free agency next summer.
Joe Johnson thinks the trade would work well for Dallas, saying Leonard still has a lot of great basketball left in him and would be motivated to be a better player alongside Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg.
What comes next?
Despite the potential for a strong team, a Leonard-to-Dallas trade is unlikely, according to NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, as the Mavericks are focused on building for the future with Cooper Flagg.
The Mavericks traded Anthony Davis before last year's trade deadline, hinting at a rebuild around Flagg, and Ujiri has stated that every decision will be 'future-based' with the 19-year-old generational player on the roster.
Leonard's history of knee injuries at 35 years old should concern the Mavericks, and it's unclear if he would be willing to sign an extension in Dallas, making him a potential one-year rental.
On the 'Night Cap' podcast, Johnson hyped up Leonard, Irving, and Flagg as a formidable trio, saying 'that's a helluva team' and that Kawhi will be motivated to be a better player.
The Athletic reported that the Mavericks have expressed trade interest in Leonard, but sources say Dallas is not currently regarded as a plausible trade destination.
Ujiri's vision for the Mavericks is to make decisions based on the future, not on winning today, which may clash with a potential trade for Leonard.
Leonard is coming off a career-best scoring season, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per contest.
The potential trade would depend on various factors, including the Mavericks' willingness to give up draft capital and young prospects, and Leonard's willingness to sign an extension in Dallas.