Should the LA Clippers be worried about Kawhi Leonard’s latest comments? In a 115-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, Leonard made an alarming comment to come from a franchise star. When asked about the Clippers as contenders, he said, “I think it’s over now.” However, Leonard’s remark came within a broader answer about the team’s direction into the contender tier and developing younger players:
“Just development over time. I think it’s over now. It’s the second half, like a fourth of the season left. But every day is a day to grow. A day to learn and get better. So just got to keep looking over time and see in two weeks if we’re getting better and see what happens from there.”
The full quote focuses on the Clippers’ shift from immediate title expectations to building chemistry as a team over time, with three-fourths of the season already played. It wasn’t a clear dismissal of the season, but it also does not exactly inspire confidence coming from the franchise player.
Should The LA Clippers Be Worried About Kawhi Leonard?
The vagueness of the answer is what could be unsettling for the organization. Not just about expectations for the season, but for the future. Leonard remains under contract through the 2026-27 season. However, his history of calculated career moves calls into question his long-term outlook on the Clippers organization.
Leonard will be 36 by the time his contract expires with the Clippers. While he is entering the latter stages of his career, he is showing no signs of decline outside of lingering injuries. The 34-year-old All-Star is currently averaging 27.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
However, when your star player makes statements that don’t inspire confidence about the season’s outlook, especially after a thrilling win against a legitimate contender, it starts to raise existential questions. Not just if the team can contend now, but does its superstar believe they will soon?
Feb 19, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Clock Ticking On The Kawhi Era?
Age and the direction of the organization play a pivotal role in the answer to this question. Leonard will be 36, an age where legends start to weigh their legacy and shots at another title. Championship windows don’t stay open long, and the Clippers have spent all of the Leonard era thus far falling short of that goal.
They dealt away another superstar in James Harden, as well as Ivica Zubac, opting to get younger at the trade deadline. Since being dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers, they are 5-0 with Harden averaging 18.4 points, 8.6 assists, and five rebounds.
The Clippers have flipped to an emphasis on developing a younger core. They also seem to be toeing the line between competing and preparing for what comes next. This combination of an organizational change and Leonard’s advancing age makes it feel closer to the end of an era.
That foreboding sense of transition leads to another uncomfortable question for the franchise. What if Leonard decides to continue his championship pursuit elsewhere? For the Los Angeles Clippers, that would be a devastating scenario to find themselves in. They invested an entire era into Leonard, reshaping the roster and moving to a new arena. Currently, all they have to show for it is finally reaching the Western Conference Finals.
How do the Clippers move forward if there is any uncertainty with their star’s future? Do they double down on rebuilding, or risk assets to keep a player who may not re-sign with them?
For a franchise still seeking its first title, hearing its franchise player sound dispirited at this point in the season may be cause for concern.
Featured Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images