As fans suddenly have a reason to tune into 2026 mock drafts, following the Ivica Zubac trade, which granted the LA Clippers a protected version(1-4 and 10-30) of the Indiana Pacers’ 2026 first-round pick, Christopher Kline of FanSided.com has Caleb Wilson from North Carolina going to Inglewood, California. As a result, trading Kawhi Leonard before he enters the last year of his contract is the only choice the front office would have.
If extended, timelines would conflict, financial freedom would be compromised, and the Clippers would be taking a risk on Leonard’s availability. Therefore, there is no sense in retaining him if you can draft Wilson while receiving a haul following the best offensive season of the two-time champion's career.