Mavs Exploring Kawhi Leonard Deal Could See Klay Thompson Returning Home to Los Angeles

Kawhi Leonard has been with the Los Angeles Clippers for the past seven seasons, and not once has he been able to lead them to the NBA Finals.

The franchise went overboard to sign him in the famed free agency class of 2019, hoping the forward was going to channel his championship-winning experience to help them get out of the shadows of the other team in Los Angeles.

Even during the Lob City era, the Clippers were still looked at as the ‘noisy’ neighbors, who could never win the big games. With Leonard coming in and Paul George joining soon after, many basketball fans felt it was time.

Many of those Los Angeles fans shifted their loyalties to cheer for the new team. Sure, they felt anything was possible when the Clippers made it to the Western Conference Finals in Leonard’s second season with the team.

Injuries had been the most talked-about narrative surrounding the soon-to-turn 36-year-old. But even when he was healthy, as was the case this season, the Clippers could not defeat their West rivals.

Maybe that, along with the investigations into salary cap circumventions, has led the franchise to rethink its future. The Athletic’s journalists believe Leonard’s time is up with the franchise, and he is being touted as a trade asset.

Mavericks president Masai Ujiri has interest in reuniting with Kawhi Leonard, multiple league sources with knowledge of Dallas’ thinking told The Athletic.

The Athletic revealed

Mavericks president Masai Ujiri has interest in reuniting with Kawhi Leonard, multiple league sources with knowledge of Dallas’ thinking told The Athletic.

The Mavericks and LA Clippers have discussed a deal that would send Leonard to Dallas for a package that would include P.J.… pic.twitter.com/uHCB3HewTh

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 28, 2026

This means that the man who took a chance on him to help the Toronto Raptors land their first-ever championship is thinking about doing the same for his new employer. Masai Ujiri has immense faith in Kawhi Leonard.

Klay Thompson for Kawhi Leonard could kill two birds with one stone

After the Aspiration investigation came to light, the mood across the league indicated that no one in their right mind would ever come close to showing an interest in Kawhi Leonard.

The allegations about his uncle making demands and bossing everyone around will not be something any executive wants to deal with. In fact, many felt the San Diego State alum’s career was in jeopardy.

However, Masai Ujiri has dealt with all that in the past. He is also aware that Leonard’s uncle’s demands will not work with the current Dallas Mavericks owners, much like they did not with the Raptors.

Therefore, this could be the only sensible option for the former 15th overall pick if he wants to continue playing. Leonard has an expiring contract, which means he needs to find someone who can hand him another one.

Klay Thompson is facing the same dilemma. Naturally, his contract is less expensive, which means the Mavs will have to send over more assets. The Athletic believes PJ Washington and draft picks will make it even.

What is more important is that this trade will kill two birds with one stone. Not only will Kawhi Leonard find another place willing to extend his career, but Thompson will get another chance to get his joy back playing basketball, that too in his hometown.

Healthy Kawhi Leonard, alongside Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, will make a dangerous unit

A lot has changed for the Dallas Mavericks since they traded away Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. They were gifted Cooper Flagg in the draft and later traded away Anthony Davis.

Now, their hopes are pinned on a retooled roster around the reigning Rookie of the Year and Kyrie Irving. If they do get Kawhi Leonard, the trio could become the most dangerous backcourt unit in the league.

Even if the Lakers get LeBron James back, many would pick the Mavs trio, provided they are healthy. Not only are they defensively better, but Leonard and Irving’s ability to turn it up when it matters is already legendary.

However, what matters most is how healthy they can be. The Mavs have been unlucky in that department and hope that with Masai Ujiri running things, their situation can change.

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