NBA executives split on Kawhi Leonard’s future with Clippers

League executives and scouts who spoke with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps during the NBA Draft Combine reportedly believe the Los Angeles Clippers should keep Kawhi Leonard as he enters the final year of his contract.

However, opinions were more divided regarding whether the Clippers should offer Leonard another extension this offseason.

One scout reportedly argued that the organization should remain patient because Leonard “clearly” wants to stay in Los Angeles, meaning the team does not need to rush into a new deal.

Another evaluator supported the idea of an extension, but only if the contract terms remain favorable for the franchise.

At the same time, one Eastern Conference executive told Brian Windhorst that Leonard could still command major trade value around the league if the Clippers ever decide to explore that route.

“Every day you hear about what’s going to happen with Giannis, but everyone ignores that Kawhi has been better and healthier over the last two seasons,” the executive said.

The executive even suggested some teams might prefer Leonard over Giannis Antetokounmpo under certain circumstances.

“If you had a chance to acquire one or the other, I might go Kawhi.”