Kawhi Leonard's Impact on the Clippers: A High-Stakes Gamble

Six years ago, the Los Angeles Clippers were hailed for their groundbreaking move to sign NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard. However, as time has progressed, the perception of this franchise-altering decision has dramatically shifted, leading many to reconsider its impact on the team.

The Costly Trade and Its Ramifications

At the heart of the Clippers' strategy was a three-year, $103 million contract with Leonard, finalized in July 2019. This signing was contingent on the team successfully trading for fellow star Paul George, who had just completed a standout season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, finishing third in MVP voting and making the All-NBA first team. To secure George, the Clippers made a significant investment, sending five first-round draft picks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Danilo Gallinari to Oklahoma City.

Initially, this audacious deal was defended as equitable, especially with Leonard coming off a championship season with the Toronto Raptors. ESPN's Kevin Pelton highlighted that the risk of parting ways with so many future assets was justified, projecting a bright future for the Clippers.

Disappointment and Disillusionment

Fast forward to today, and many are questioning the wisdom of this move. An unnamed rival general manager referred to the deal as a “f--king disaster” in interviews with ESPN's Baxter Holmes. Insights from over two dozen NBA insiders and former Clippers staff echoed this sentiment, painting a stark picture of disappointment.

Despite Leonard's presence in 266 games (301 in total if playoffs are counted), the Clippers have paid him approximately $243.8 million, a significant investment that has yielded minimal postseason success. Leonard's injury history has plagued the team, with the 2024-25 season marking the first instance where he completed a full playoff series since the 2021 playoffs.

The Aftermath: A Look at Lost Talent

The ramifications of their gamble extend beyond on-court performance. The trade that brought George to Los Angeles cost the Clippers a budding superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has since emerged as one of the league's top players, leading Oklahoma City to its first NBA title. Additionally, the draft pick traded became Jalen Williams, who made his All-Star debut and was an All-NBA third-team selection last season. It’s a pairing of losses that complicates the legacy of the Kawhi experiment.

Tampering Investigations and Off-Court Issues

The Clippers have also faced off-court challenges related to Leonard, including multiple lawsuits and investigations concerning tampering allegations and league rule violations. One particularly notable case involves claims that the franchise circumvented the salary cap by facilitating an endorsement deal linked to Leonard with a company in which Clippers owner Steve Ballmer invested $50 million.

A Mixed Bag Moving Forward

Not all has been dreary for the Clippers, who boast a .677 winning percentage (180-86) during games Leonard participated in, translating to roughly 56 wins in an 82-game season. However, the combination of sustained injuries, off-court distractions, and the loss of key future assets raises serious questions about this period in Clippers history.

As the organization looks ahead, it must grapple with the reality that, in the pursuit of a championship, the perceived rewards of the past six seasons may not have delivered the value they envisioned.