The Houston Rockets could become one of the teams monitoring Kawhi Leonard’s future if the Los Angeles Clippers decide to explore a trade. SportsNet’s Michael Grange reported Friday that while Leonard has been linked with potential reunions with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors, Houston could also be part of the market for the two-time Finals MVP.
Leonard’s situation has become one of the biggest storylines of the offseason after NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Clippers are expected to consider moving him if the two sides cannot agree on a contract extension. Leonard is entering the final season of his three-year, $149.5 million deal and is set to earn more than $50 million in 2026-27.
The Rockets fit the profile of a team that could make sense as a Leonard destination. Houston finished the 2025-26 season with a 52-30 record, earning the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, and already has a strong core built around Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
Adding Leonard would give Houston another elite two-way wing next to Durant. Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 52.0% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range during the 2025-26 season. Leonard posted 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Clippers while shooting 50.5% from the field, 38.7% from three and 89.2% from the free-throw line.
A Leonard acquisition would also allow Houston to lean further into a veteran championship window. The Rockets have a young foundation with Sengun averaging 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists, while Thompson averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists and received Defensive Player of the Year votes.
The challenge for Houston would be constructing a realistic trade package. Leonard’s salary would require significant financial matching, and the Clippers would likely prioritize a combination of win-now talent, young players and draft assets.
Houston’s young players could become part of the conversation, though the Rockets would have to decide how much of their future they are willing to sacrifice. Jabari Smith Jr. averaged 15.8 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 36.3% from three, while Reed Sheppard contributed 13.5 points per game and shot 39.4% from deep.
