Clippers Explore Pairing Kawhi Leonard with Giannis Antetokounmpo

NBA insider suggests Los Angeles could pursue Bucks star if he becomes available this offseason.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:47pm

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The possibility of pairing Kawhi Leonard with former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has surfaced as a speculative scenario for the Los Angeles Clippers should the Milwaukee Bucks star become available this offseason. The Clippers have acquired additional draft capital that could be used to facilitate a potential trade for Antetokounmpo if his situation in Milwaukee shifts.

Why it matters

The Clippers are looking to build a championship-caliber roster around Kawhi Leonard, and the prospect of adding a player of Giannis Antetokounmpo's caliber would make them an immediate title contender in the Western Conference. However, any potential pursuit would hinge on the Bucks' willingness to engage in trade discussions involving their superstar.

The details

NBA insider Tomer Azarly suggested the Clippers could position themselves in potential trade discussions for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available this offseason. The Clippers strengthened their draft flexibility at the trade deadline, acquiring additional first-round picks from the Indiana Pacers that could be used as trade assets. Antetokounmpo, 31, has been linked to trade speculation in recent months, with the Bucks struggling in the Eastern Conference standings.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo will become a free agent in a year and a half, at the age of 32.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' cornerstone, averaging a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game in his sixth season with the team.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks star, a former MVP, who is averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 64.5% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range across 30 games this season.

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What they’re saying

“The Clippers could enter the Giannis sweepstakes if he's available. They would have four very, very good draft picks, including the two Pacers ones that teams could be interested in. The Bucks could be interested in with a couple of young players. So, could you pair Giannis and Kawhi together? That could be an interesting combo if you're able to.”

— Tomer Azarly, ClutchPoints NBA reporter

“As Americans say, opinions are cheap — that's why everyone has one. Right now, at this moment, I'm in Milwaukee… I don't know if I'll leave — it's not up to me. If it was up to me, maybe I already would have left. In a year and a half, when I become a free agent at 32, it will be up to me.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo

What’s next

The Clippers will continue to monitor Giannis Antetokounmpo's situation in Milwaukee and evaluate potential trade scenarios that could bring the superstar to Los Angeles to pair with Kawhi Leonard.

The takeaway

The prospect of the Clippers pairing Kawhi Leonard with Giannis Antetokounmpo would make them an immediate title contender in the NBA, but any potential pursuit would hinge on the Bucks' willingness to engage in trade discussions involving their superstar.