The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly trying to acquire Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard. According to a report, Dallas’ trade package includes P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft capital.
The Mavs’ interest in the seven-time All-Star prompted reactions among NBA supporters.
NBA Community Can’t Believe Mavericks’ Reported Trade Package for Kawhi Leonard
Per The Athletic, the man behind the Mavericks’ pursuit of Leonard is Masai Ujiri, the team’s new president of basketball operations.
Ujiri, then holding a similar position with the Toronto Raptors, traded for Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018.
With the star forward leading the team, the Raptors captured the 2019 NBA championship.
Ujiri’s plan to reunite with Leonard sparked reactions from the NBA community.
“I’m late to this party, but the Mavericks trading for Kawhi would be insane, and I really hope they do not do it. You’re gonna mortgage your precious remaining draft capital for an injury-prone 35-year-old when your franchise player is a teenager? That’s what Nico would do!” CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn wrote.
I’m late to this party, but the Mavericks trading for Kawhi would be insane and I really hope they do not do it.
You’re gonna mortgage your precious remaining draft capital for an injury-prone 35-year-old when your franchise player is a teenager?
That’s what Nico would do! https://t.co/O3f0SPdL6x
– Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) June 29, 2026
A handle on X dedicated to the Mavericks posted: “Seems reckless to do a Kawhi trade with his injury history, the lack of Mavs pick capital, and the NBA still having an investigation pending on Kawhi’s tree planting.”
Seems wreckless to do a Kawhi trade with his injury history, the lack of Mavs pick capital, and the NBA still having an investigation pending on Kawhi’s tree planting
– Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) June 28, 2026
“If you can get Kawhi Leonard on this team, I think you have a real shot at winning the title. Is that worth blowing your future assets for?” a Mavs content creator tweeted.
MFFL Nation posted: “The Mavs would be championship contenders with a lineup of Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Kawhi Leonard, and Dereck Lively II. Make it happen, Masai.”
The Mavs would be championship contenders with a lineup of Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Kawhi Leonard, and Dereck Lively II.
Make it happen Masai.
– MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) June 28, 2026
“I just don’t believe any Kawhi to Mavs trade package that doesn’t hurt. Wouldn’t several other teams easily outbid the PJ/Klay/”draft picks” unless “draft picks” equals something substantial?” another Mavericks supporter commented.
I just don’t believe any Kawhi to Mavs trade package that doesn’t hurt.
Wouldn’t several other teams easily outbid the PJ/Klay/”draft picks” unless “draft picks” equals something substantial?
– Mavs(New)CBA (@CBAMavs) June 29, 2026
If the Mavs do pull off the trade, Legion of Hoops summarized: “The Mavericks would be a problem.”
Kyrie Irving
Max Christie
Cooper Flagg
Kawhi Leonard
Dereck Lively IIThe Mavericks would be a problem 👀 pic.twitter.com/O3pryHkCEs
– Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 29, 2026
A Ujiri-Leonard reunion in Dallas may be a pipe dream, though.
NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote on Sunday that “Dallas is not currently regarded as a plausible trade destination in this case and has not yet been presented to Leonard as such.”
According to Fischer, Ujiri vowed on May 20 to build around 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. The NBA analyst noted that in Ujiri’s words, decisions involving Flagg would be “future-based.”
Dallas’ cupboard of first-round picks in the next four years is almost empty.
The Mavericks owe the Charlotte Hornets their 2027 first-round pick if it falls outside of the top 2. The Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs have options to swap first-round picks in 2028 and 2030, respectively.
And according to The Athletic, Dallas has “zero control of their 2029 first-round pick.”
In rebuilding around Flagg, Ujiri might not want to give up their 2031, 2032, and 2033 first-round assets for an oft-injured, 35-year-old star with a surgically repaired right knee.
Former Mavs GM Nico Harrison was castigated by team supporters for the Luka Doncic trade. Ujiri could end up getting the same treatment if he mortgages Dallas’ future to get Leonard.
