{"id":613105,"date":"2026-02-20T06:17:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T06:17:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/613105\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T06:17:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T06:17:23","slug":"kawhi-leonard-giannis-antetokounmpo-dream-duo-floated-for-la","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/613105\/","title":{"rendered":"Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo dream duo floated for LA"},"content":{"rendered":"

The possibility of pairing Kawhi Leonard<\/a> with former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> has surfaced as a speculative scenario<\/a> for the Los Angeles Clippers<\/a> should the Milwaukee Bucks star become available this offseason.<\/p>\n

On the latest episode of Clutch Scoops, ClutchPoints NBA reporter Tomer Azarly suggested the Clippers could position themselves in potential trade discussions if Antetokounmpo\u2019s situation in Milwaukee shifts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Clippers could enter the Giannis sweepstakes if he\u2019s available,\u201d Azarly said. \u201cThey would have four very, very good draft picks, including the two Pacers ones that teams could be interested in. The Bucks could be interested in with a couple of young players. So, could you pair Giannis and Kawhi together? That could be an interesting combo if you\u2019re able to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Los Angeles strengthened its draft flexibility at the trade deadline when it dealt Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Bennedict Mathuri<\/a>n, Isaiah Jackson, a protected 2026 first-round pick, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick and a future second-round selection. The additional draft capital from Indiana is viewed internally as meaningful ammunition should a star-level opportunity arise.<\/p>\n

. @TomerAzarly<\/a> and @BrettSiegelNBA<\/a> are live to talk NBA All-Star, tanking problems + some early NBA Offseason intel!https:\/\/t.co\/duIKN4TFxL<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Giannis Antetokounmpo speculation grows as Clippers evaluate Kawhi Leonard\u2019s future \"Bucks-forward-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-34-sits-on-the-bench-after-a-128-126-loss-to-the-Miami-Heat-during-game-five.jpg\"\u00a9 Michael McLoone-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Antetokounmpo, 31, was heavily linked in trade speculation<\/a> leading up to the deadline while sidelined with a calf injury. He is averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 64.5 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three-point range across 30 games. The Milwaukee Bucks sit 12th in the Eastern Conference at 23-30 following first-round playoff exits in three consecutive seasons.<\/p>\n

Antetokounmpo reignited offseason chatter<\/a> during an exclusive interview with COSMOTE TV.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs Americans say, opinions are cheap \u2014 that\u2019s why everyone has one. Right now, at this moment, I\u2019m in Milwaukee\u2026 I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll leave \u2014 it\u2019s not up to me. If it was up to me, maybe I already would have left. In a year and a half, when I become a free agent at 32, it will be up to me,\u201d Antetokounmpo said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one can dare come and tell me not to play. I never gave anyone that right \u2014 as long as my legs allow me, I\u2019ll be out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leonard, 34, remains the Clippers\u2019 cornerstone. In his sixth season with Los Angeles, he is averaging a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game while shooting 49.1 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from three and 91.2 percent from the free-throw line across 41 appearances.<\/p>\n

The Clippers (26-28) sit 10th in the Western Conference after rebounding from a 6-21 start<\/a> and return to action Thursday night when they host the Denver Nuggets at 7:30 p.m. PT.<\/p>\n

While any pursuit of Antetokounmpo would hinge on Milwaukee\u2019s willingness to engage in discussions, Azarly\u2019s comments highlight how Los Angeles could leverage its newly acquired draft assets to explore a potential Leonard\u2013Antetokounmpo pairing should circumstances align.<\/p>\n