The Golden State Warriors ' interest in Kawhi Leonard now sounds much stronger than background offseason noise.
The Golden State Warriors have been searching for one more star around Stephen Curry .
Leonard is being framed as the preferred summer swing.
The Athletic reported: "League sources also confirmed a report from NBA reporter Jake Fischer that the LA Clippers ' Kawhi Leonard is on the Heat's Plan B list (or the Golden State Warriors' Plan A list)."
That Plan A label is telling. It signals that Leonard is the player the Warriors want most this summer, unless something drastic changes elsewhere.
The complication is availability. The same reporting noted that no one around the league seems sure whether Leonard is truly on the market, or whether the NBA's ongoing investigation into the Clippers' alleged salary cap circumvention involving Leonard could become a problem for any team that takes him on.
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Golden State's backup path appears far less likely. LeBron James would have to leave Los Angeles , accept a massive pay cut, and stand beside Curry, his biggest modern rival, for one last title run.
Given how unlikely that sounds, Leonard is the cleaner target. If the Clippers start listening, Golden State can prepare a package built around salary matching, the No. 11 pick, future first-rounders, and young players such as Brandin Podziemski or other assets.
Leonard's value remains high after an excellent 2025-26 season. He averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 65 games, while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three.
That version of Leonard would fit cleanly beside Curry. He can defend top wings, score without dominating every possession, and give Golden State the playoff half-court option it lacked when injuries wrecked last season.
The Porzingis factor makes the idea more interesting. Reporting around the Warriors points to growing momentum toward re-signing Kristaps Porzingis at a reduced rate, giving Golden State a floor spacing center to pair with Curry and Leonard.
A healthy starting five could be Curry, Podziemski, or De'Anthony Melton, Leonard, Draymond Green , and Porzingis. If Podziemski has to be included in a Leonard offer, Melton becomes the cleaner guard fit.
The Warriors still need the Clippers to open the door. Their interest, however, appears stronger than ever.
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