The Los Angeles Clippers have started the 2025-26 NBA season with an abysmal 5-16 record. This is despite an excellent individual start by James Harden. Kawhi Leonard has played in just about half those games, and Kendrick Perkins has some harsh criticism for him.
Leonard signed with the Clippers in 2019 as a free agent. Then he also ensured that they traded for Paul George. It was supposed to be the beginning of a dynasty, but none of that has come true yet. The Clippers haven’t even made it to the NBA Finals, and Perkins thinks signing Kawhi was a colossal mistake.
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“Kawhi Leonard is one of the worst free agent signings in NBA history,” Perkins said on the Road Trippin’ Show podcast. “He has set the Clippers back 10 to 15 years.
“Before he got to the Clippers, he demanded that they bring in another star/superstar, meaning Paul George. The Clippers were begging and pleading, we got to keep SGA. He did not want SGA… What have you gotten out of Kawhi? One division title.”
Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. defends Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
In six seasons with the Clippers, Leonard has played in just over 44 regular-season games on average. His numbers have been good, but they have not translated to team success. As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder continue to win at a high level, this take from Perkins is likely to only age well.
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