Mavericks' Kawhi Gamble
Dallas Mavericks Pursue Kawhi Leonard Amidst High Risk of One-Year Rental and Injury Concerns
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Key Points
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Trade discussions could include a third player to pair with Washington and Thompson, such as Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, or AJ Johnson, as part of a Leonard swap.
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Draft compensation remains a hurdle: Mavericks' first-round picks are limited due to prior trades, which could complicate any package for Leonard.
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Ujiri's 2018 Raptors deal for Leonard involved DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a first-round pick, highlighting the 'one-year rental' risk Dallas would face again if Leonard leaves after one season.
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Leonard is 35, in the final year of a nearly $150 million contract, and is owed about $50.3 million for 2026-27, with an injury history that has limited his games.
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Dallas's approach is shifting toward a future-focused rebuild under Masai Ujiri, with consideration of moving on from older pieces like Klay Thompson to prioritize draft capital and younger talent around Cooper Flagg.
The Dallas Mavericks are in serious talks to acquire Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers, according to The Athletic. The reported trade package centers on P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft compensation — a blockbuster deal that would reshape Dallas's roster around 19-year-old star Cooper Flagg.
Leonard turns 35 today, June 29. He is entering the final year of his contract, worth $50.3 million in 2026-27. The talks carry enormous risk: Masai Ujiri pulled this exact move in 2018, and Leonard walked after one season. He could do it again.
Ujiri's Offer: Washington, Thompson, and Draft Picks
Dallas's proposed package includes Washington, Thompson, and draft capital, per Hoops Rumors. Washington, 27, is locked in on a 4-year, $88.7 million deal with a 2026-27 cap hit of $19.8 million. Thompson is in the final year of his contract at $17.5 million. Together, they nearly match Leonard's $50.3 million salary.
Reports also suggest a third player — Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, or rookie AJ Johnson — could be added to sweeten the deal, according to Basketnews. Dallas's draft capital is limited. The Mavericks do not own their 2027 first-round pick. They do hold their 2031, 2032, and 2033 firsts, plus a 2029 first from the Lakers.
Ujiri Has Done This Before — and It Worked Once
In 2018, Ujiri traded Raptors icon DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl for Leonard. Toronto won the championship. Then Leonard left for the Clippers in free agency. Dallas now faces the same bet, according to Sports Illustrated. Ujiri appears willing to take it again.
The logic this time is different. Dallas is not purely
A Career-High Season, but Injury Risks Loom Large
Leonard posted career-best numbers in 2025-26: 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in 65 appearances, per Basketnews. His 1.9 steals per game would address Dallas's perimeter defense — a glaring weakness last season. Those numbers make him one of the best two-way players in the league at 35.
The concern is durability. Leonard has not played 70 games in a season since 2016-17. His $50.3 million salary would push Dallas near the luxury tax threshold, according to Chat Sports. That limits Dallas's ability to add depth — depth the team will likely need given Leonard's history of missed games.
Leonard May Only Want Toronto or San Antonio Long-Term
The biggest red flag: Leonard has reportedly signaled he would only consider a long-term extension with the Raptors or the Spurs. Analyst Marc Stein reported that Dallas is likely a one-year stop, per Basketnews. That makes this trade a $50 million gamble on a single season of championship-window basketball.
Toronto is also pursuing Leonard. Fadeaway World reports the Raptors have a strong package that includes Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett. Clippers president Lawrence Frank is described as
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