Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank doesn't plan on moving Kawhi Leonard despite teams reportedly inquiring about his availability around February's trade deadline.
"Our plan is to win with Kawhi," Frank told reporters Friday, including Clippers beat writer Justin Russo. "We've obviously shown as an organization that we want to continue and we are driven to win.
"So, at the appropriate time, we'll sit down with Kawhi and - very similar to 2024 - lay out our plan, and if our goals are aligned, then we'd like to win with Kawhi."
The two-time Finals MVP has spent the past six seasons in Los Angeles and is coming off one of his best campaigns to date. He averaged a career-high 27.9 points on 50.5% shooting to go along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals across 65 appearances this season.
Leonard is entering the final year of a three-year, $149.5-million deal. He'll become eligible to receive a two-year, $126.1-million contract extension from the Clippers the day after the NBA Finals conclude, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
Los Angeles appeared to be heading toward a rebuild after shipping off James Harden and Ivica Zubac in separate deals at the trade deadline, but Frank was adamant Friday that the Clippers wouldn't be tearing things down.
"We're not going to do that. … (19- or 22-win seasons aren't) happening here," Frank said.
Frank added that the team would acquire "one significant piece" this offseason via the draft, free agency, or trade, according to Russo.
The Clippers made three consecutive first-round playoff exits prior to Wednesday's play-in tournament loss to the Golden State Warriors. Los Angeles has advanced no further than the Western Conference finals since Leonard joined the organization in 2019.
