The Houston Rockets might turn out to be one of many groups monitoring Kawhi Leonard’s future if the Los Angeles Clippers determine to discover a commerce. SportsNet’s Michael Grange reported Friday that whereas Leonard has been linked with potential reunions with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors, Houston is also a part of the marketplace for the two-time Finals MVP.
Leonard’s state of affairs has turn out to be one of many largest storylines of the offseason after NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Clippers are expected to consider moving him if the two sides cannot agree on a contract extension. Leonard is getting into the ultimate season of his three-year, $149.5 million deal and is about to earn greater than $50 million in 2026-27.
The Rockets match the profile of a crew that would make sense as a Leonard vacation spot. Houston completed the 2025-26 season with a 52-30 report, incomes the No. 5 seed within the Western Convention, and already has a powerful core constructed round Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
Including Leonard would give Houston one other elite two-way wing subsequent to Durant. Durant averaged 26.0 factors, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists whereas taking pictures 52.0% from the sector and 41.3% from three-point vary throughout the 2025-26 season. Leonard posted 27.9 factors, 6.4 rebounds and three.6 assists for the Clippers whereas taking pictures 50.5% from the sector, 38.7% from three and 89.2% from the free-throw line.
A Leonard acquisition would additionally enable Houston to lean additional right into a veteran championship window. The Rockets have a younger basis with Sengun averaging 20.4 factors, 8.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists, whereas Thompson averaged 18.3 factors, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists and acquired Defensive Participant of the Yr votes.
The problem for Houston could be developing a sensible commerce bundle. Leonard’s wage would require important monetary matching, and the Clippers would possible prioritize a mix of win-now expertise, younger gamers and draft belongings.
Houston’s younger gamers might turn out to be a part of the dialog, although the Rockets must determine how a lot of their future they’re keen to sacrifice. Jabari Smith Jr. averaged 15.8 factors and 6.9 rebounds whereas taking pictures 36.3% from three, whereas Reed Sheppard contributed 13.5 factors per sport and shot 39.4% from deep.
