Sources indicate that the team now views their contract with Leonard, which expires after the 2026-27 season, as a poor investment, and they are beginning to move away from their focus on him.

The Clippers' future asset management is complicated by their unprotected 2026 first-round pick owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder and swap rights in 2027.

The roster includes younger players like Ivica Zubac and John Collins, but the team appears focused on contending this season while planning for future roster adjustments.

The team’s shift away from building around Leonard reflects a broader recognition that their previous strategy was flawed, with many NBA executives expecting Leonard to remain only until his contract ends.

The Clippers are under investigation by the NBA for potential cap circumvention related to Leonard's endorsement deal with Aspiration, which could lead to sanctions and financial penalties.

Kawhi Leonard was signed by the Clippers in 2019 with high hopes of winning an NBA championship, but injuries and playoff setbacks, including a blown 3-1 series lead in 2020 and an ACL tear in 2021, have hampered their success.

The Clippers are shifting their strategy away from building their roster around Leonard, recognizing that their previous approach was flawed and that Leonard is aware of this change.

Leonard, now 34, is set to become a free agent after the 2026-27 season, and there is speculation the team might move on if injuries persist, although many expect he will stay through his current contract.

Leonard's durability has been a concern, as he has played only twice over 60 games in the past seven seasons, with injuries limiting his availability.

Despite his injury issues, Leonard has averaged 24.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game for the Clippers, but he has missed a total of 216 regular-season games during his tenure.

In the 2024-25 season, injuries limited Leonard to 37 games, allowing James Harden to step up and help the team achieve a 50-32 record and reach the playoffs.

Although Leonard has made the playoffs five times with the Clippers, his tenure has been considered disappointing because the team has yet to reach the NBA Finals.