Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank has made Kawhi Leonard the centerpiece of the team’s championship hopes since 2019. But after yet another season that ended in disappointment, the Clippers are faced with a tough decision about Leonard’s future in LA.
When asked by Clippers insider Joey Linn on Tuesday about Leonard, Frank was non-committal with his response.
Lawrence Frank’s Latest Remarks Could Signal a Big Change for Kawhi Leonard
Roughly two months ago, in his exit interview, Frank told the media via ESPN that the long-term plan was “to win with Kawhi.” However, the two-time NBA Finals MVP heads into the 2026-27 season with an expiring $50.3 million contract.
Without an extension yet, speculations have ramped up about LA possibly trading Leonard. After asking Frank about the Leonard situation, Linn tweeted his report:
“(Frank) says there’s always communication between the two sides, but didn’t say much more than that.”
Lawrence Frank has made it clear several times tonight the Clippers are not championship contenders right now.
“When we get back to being a contender, we feel [Wagler] is gonna be the player with the most impact out of the group… We understand we’re not a contender. We’re…
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) June 24, 2026
Frank’s comment could mean a shift in the Clippers’ stance about Leonard. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year is eligible for a $126 million contract extension. If Frank’s plan is to keep him as the franchise cornerstone, that deal should be ironed out anytime soon.
Talks about an extension might not be going as planned, though. NBA insider Tim MacMahon said in “The Hoop Collective” podcast on Friday that the Clippers are asking Leonard to take a pay cut.
Leonard’s former Clippers teammate, Lou Williams, now a co-host of the “Run It Back” show, predicted what would happen if that were the case.
“Kawhi ain’t taking no pay cut, I’ll tell you that right now. … I have a hard time seeing him saying, ‘I’m willing to take less so you guys can go make other moves.’”
“Kawhi ain’t taking no pay cut, I’ll tell you that right now.” 😅💰
Lou Williams expects Leonard to request a trade if the Clippers don’t give him a max contract extension 👀@MichelleDBeadle | @boogiecousins | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/uaRvwv7w3O
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) June 22, 2026
Williams is essentially saying that Leonard would force a trade if the Clippers don’t get a max extension. With little leverage due to Leonard’s expiring deal, the Clippers could ship him to another team before or during the 2026-27 season, rather than see him walk away for nothing after their campaign ends.
Frank might also be waiting for the shoe to drop on the NBA’s investigation into the Aspiration case involving the Leonard and team, and governor Steve Ballmer. If the Clippers are found guilty of allegedly circumventing the salary cap for Leonard, the team could face severe penalties, including the voiding of any player’s contract.
SEE ALSO: NBA Rumors: Insider Reveals Clippers’ ‘Firm Stance’ On Kawhi Leonard Trade Amid Warriors’ Interest
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said at the start of the 2026 NBA Finals in June that the investigation is close to ending and that it is time to “wrap this up.”
Silver added, “Their team (Clippers) has to understand what the situation is they’re going to be operating under, and so do the other 29 teams.”
Leonard becomes a free agent if his contract is voided, negating any trade or extension talks with the Clippers, as the seven-time All-Star could play for any team.
Regardless of which situation plays out, Leonard’s status will likely be known before training camp starts.
