Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has continued to reject trade inquiries for Kawhi Leonard and that stance is expected to continue.

The Golden State Warriors pursued Leonard ahead of the February trade deadline.

The Warriors engaged the Clippers more seriously than in prior discussions, but Los Angeles returned the same answer each time. Ballmer has maintained a firm stance against moving Leonard, preferring to continue building around the star forward originally signed in 2019.

Leonard's $50.3 million expiring contract would require a significant extension as part of any deal, making a trade a considerable long-term commitment for any acquiring team. Any package would also include a mix of players and future draft capital.

Leonard was a Second Team All-NBA selection in 2025-26, playing perhaps his best basketball since the 2019-20 season.