{"id":741753,"date":"2026-05-23T08:18:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T08:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/741753\/"},"modified":"2026-05-23T08:18:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T08:18:16","slug":"kawhi-leonard-trade-rumors-potential-landing-spots-for-clippers-star-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/741753\/","title":{"rendered":"Kawhi Leonard trade rumors: Potential landing spots for Clippers star"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kawhi Leonard<\/a> is entering the final year of a three-year, $149.51 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers<\/a>, potentially making him an unrestricted free agent next summer. For the 2026-27 season, Leonard is owed $50.3 million.<\/p>\n

Leonard, 34, is coming off a season where he appeared in 65 games and averaged 27.9 points on 50.5% field goal shooting, 38.7% 3-point shooting and 89.2% on free throws. The Clippers finished the season 42-40, good enough for a No. 9 seed, but were eliminated in the NBA Play-In Tournament by the Golden State Warriors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Looming around the Clippers-Leonard era is the NBA’s ongoing investigation into allegations <\/a>that LA and owner Steve Ballmer allegedly facilitated a $28 million “no-show” endorsement deal for Leonard with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt sustainability company, in an effort to circumvent the NBA salary cap.<\/p>\n

The team denied those allegations in a September 2025 statement and maintained their stance in a second statement, accusing Aspiration of engaging in “fraudulent activity.”<\/p>\n

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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style<\/p>\n

The NBA playoffs<\/a> bring out more than high\u2011stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league\u2019s biggest stage.<\/p>\n

See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.<\/p>\n

Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Elsa, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

1 \/ 9<\/p>\n

Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style<\/p>\n

The NBA playoffs<\/a> bring out more than high\u2011stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league\u2019s biggest stage.<\/p>\n

See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.<\/p>\n

Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Elsa, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style<\/p>\n

The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Elsa, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style<\/p>\n

The shoes of Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Elsa, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style<\/p>\n

Shoes worn by Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.<\/p>\n

(Matthew Stockman, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style<\/p>\n

The Nike Lebron XXIII shoes worn by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Houston Rockets in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style<\/p>\n

Shoes worn by Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.<\/p>\n

(Matthew Stockman, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 18: The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

(Elsa, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style<\/p>\n

The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Elsa, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style<\/p>\n

The shoes of Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Elsa, Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is nothing unusual or untoward about team sponsors doing endorsement deals with players on the same team,\u201d the second statement reads. \u201cNeither Steve nor the Clippers organization had any oversight of Kawhi\u2019s independent endorsement agreement with Aspiration. To say otherwise is flat-out wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Clippers now find themselves in an interesting position to make a decision on whether they are still in “win-now” mode or if its time to consider rebuilding their roster.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

LA made a blockbuster splash trade just before the trade deadline this season, shipping James Harden<\/a> to the Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> for Darius Garland<\/a>, who just turned 26. They also sent Ivica Zubac<\/a> and Kobe Brown<\/a> to the Indiana Pacers<\/a> in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin<\/a>, Isaiah Jackson<\/a>, two first-round picks (2026 and 2029), and a second-round pick. The 2026 pick turned out to be the No. 5 overall pick.<\/p>\n

The Clippers can decide to package that No. 5 pick in a trade to bring in either another superstar or key pieces to surround Leonard. But they can also go another route and bring in one of the draft’s top prospects, which could signal they could move off of Leonard and could put him on the trade market.<\/p>\n

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Victor Wembanyama leads Spurs to a huge win in double OT. See game highlights<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City Thunder fans react during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on May 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Victor Wembanyama leads Spurs to a huge win in double OT. See game highlights<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City Thunder fans react during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on May 18, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Terrell Owens cheers during the second quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 10, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown claps during the second half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.<\/p>\n

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actress Jessica Alba attends Game 4 of the playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Luke Hales, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actors Kevin Connolly, Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn attend Game 4 of the playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Luke Hales, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Phoenix Suns player Dillon Brooks attends game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Rappers Marshall “Eminem” Mathers and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson attend Game Five between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A San Antonio Spurs fan is seen following Game Five of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center on May 12, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.<\/p>\n

(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Film actor Eddie Murphy attends game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Coco Jones hugs her fiancee Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell after the Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons in game three in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Detroit Pistons dancers perform during a time out in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.<\/p>\n

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Allen Iverson attends the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green looks on in the first half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.<\/p>\n

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game three between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Retired Oklahoma women\u2019s basketball college basketball coach Sherri Coale watches the second half of game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.<\/p>\n

(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Oklahoma City Thunder fans cheer for their team against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.<\/p>\n

(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Former NBA players Jalen Rose and Jimmy King look on during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Cooper DeJean of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Franklin the Dog, mascot of the Philadelphia 76ers, greets Ben Stiller in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Ben Stiller and Arthur Embiid, son of Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, interact during the game between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers signs autographs before Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.<\/p>\n

(Jason Miller, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions and former NBA player Jalen Rose meet during the first half of a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet reacts during the third quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns greets his fiancee, Jordyn Woods, after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Bryce Underwood of the Michigan Wolverines watches from court side during the second quarter of a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 05, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor and filmmaker Spike Lee reacts to a call during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Ben Stiller reacts after Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Timothee Chalamet celebrates after the New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Socialite Jordyn Woods looks on during the second quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Former San Antonio Spurs player Tim Duncan looks on in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center.<\/p>\n

(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Minnesota Timberwolves co-owner Alex Rodriguez watches Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on May 06, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.<\/p>\n

(Ronald Cortes, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Rapper Fat Joe and actor Ben Stiller embrace after Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Former San Antonio Spurs player Manu Ginobili looks on during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center.<\/p>\n

(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Tracy Morgan sits court side during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Matt Dilon sits court side during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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The San Antonio Spurs Hype Squad performs in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center.<\/p>\n

(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Jimmy Fallon reacts during the second quarter of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Al Bello, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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American comedian and talk show host Jimmy Fallon sits court side during the fourth quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Former San Antonio Spurs player David Robinson looks on during the second quarter of a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Spurs in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 04, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.<\/p>\n

(Ronald Cortes, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Actor Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet looks on during the second quarter of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Al Bello, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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American producer and activist Spike Lee reacts during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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American producer and activist Spike Lee talks to New York Mets injured shortstop Francisco Lindor during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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The San Antonio Spurs Coyote performs during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center.<\/p>\n

(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs looks on in the second half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.<\/p>\n

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Detroit Pistons dancers perform during a time out in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.<\/p>\n

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Moondog performs during the first quarter of game seven between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Steve Schirripa looks on during the second quarter of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026, in New York City.<\/p>\n

(Al Bello, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Dance Team performs during a time out in the second half of game seven in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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New York Knicks fan Spike Lee celebrates with guard Miles McBride after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.<\/p>\n

(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Philadelphia 76ers managing partner Josh and Marjorie Harris pose for a photo with the mascot after defeating the Boston Celtics 106-93 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

(Elsa, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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A Houston Rockets fan poses prior to Game Six against the Los Angeles Lakers in the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026, in Houston, Texas.<\/p>\n

(Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Daniel Caesar attends Game Six between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors in the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.<\/p>\n

(Cole Burston, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Houston Rockets cheerleader performs during a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center.<\/p>\n

(Erik Williams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe signs the jersey of 12-year-old Kallie McKenna before game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.<\/p>\n

(Winslow Townson, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center.<\/p>\n

(Erik Williams, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Toronto Maple Leafs Matthew Knies (C) attends Game Six between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.<\/p>\n

(Cole Burston, Getty Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Orlando Magic mascot Stuff getting the crowd into it in the fourth quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.<\/p>\n

(Jeremy Reper, Imagn Images)\"\"<\/p>\n

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Orlando Magic dancer during a timeout in the fourth quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.<\/p>\n

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Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin attend game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

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Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Ben Stiller attend Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City.<\/p>\n

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Filmmaker and New York Knicks fan Spike Lee in the stands against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on April 30, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Cleveland Cavaliers cheerleaders perform before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

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GloRilla dances after Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.<\/p>\n

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Cleveland Cavaliers mascot Moondog interacts with fans before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

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Houston Rockets dancers perform during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026.<\/p>\n

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American rapper Common and singer Jennifer Hudson sit courtside during Game 5 of the playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 26, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller reacts during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

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Toronto Fans cheer on their team during Game 4 of the NBA first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026.<\/p>\n

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A young San Antonio Spurs fan holds up a sign before Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center on April 28, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.<\/p>\n

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Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with fans against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn.<\/p>\n

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) and Crunch, the Minnesota Timberwolves mascot, warm up before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Philadelphia Eagles 1st round draft pick Makai Lemon prepares to ring the bell during pregame ceremony before game against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena.<\/p>\n

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The Toronto Raptors dance team performs during a break in the action against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena.<\/p>\n

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Rapper T.I. looks on during the fourth quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.<\/p>\n

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NBA player Chris Paul talks to former player Grant Hill during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.<\/p>\n

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Comedian D.C. Young Fly reacts after the Atlanta Hawks 109-108 win over the New York Knicks in game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.<\/p>\n

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Atlanta Hawks cheerleader performs before a game against the New York Knicks during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.<\/p>\n

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Rapper and producer Quavo watches a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.<\/p>\n

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Rapper and entertainer Pastor Troy performs during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.<\/p>\n

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Toronto Raptors fans cheer in the area known as Jurassic Park outside of Scotiabank Arena before game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers.<\/p>\n

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A member of the Boston Celtics dance team performs during a time out in the first half of a game two against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 21, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Actor Timothee Chalamet claps in his court side seat during the first quarter of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Denver Nuggets fans cheer in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Denver Nuggets dancers perform in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly attend game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

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Actor Will Ferrell attends game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

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Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

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Former NFL player Shannon Sharpe sits next to producer Jeffrey Katzenberg during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

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Denver Nuggets fan dressed as DC comic the Joker during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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American producer and activist Spike Lee reacts from his courtside seat during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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American Olympic gymnast Suni Lee sits courtside during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

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San Antonio Spurs fan wears an alien on her stomach during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center in San Antonia on April 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Los Angeles Lakers girls cheerleaders perform during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

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Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs his autograph for fans before the start of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center.<\/p>\n

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Detroit Pistons Dance team performs while playing the Orlando Magic during game one of the first round of the eastern conference playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 19, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.<\/p>\n

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Los Angeles Lakers girls cheerleaders perform against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

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A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.<\/p>\n

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Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.<\/p>\n

(Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

If Leonard is dealt from the Clippers, it would mean the end of an era that began in 2019. Leonard signed with the Clippers after leading the Toronto Raptors<\/a> to a NBA championship where he was named Finals MVP.<\/p>\n

In seven seasons in LA, he helped lead the team to the playoffs five times, including the franchise’s first conference finals appearance in 2021. But since then, the Clippers have been eliminated in the first round or missed the playoffs altogether.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

When on the floor, Leonard is as dynamic as anyone in the league. He shows up on both sides of the ball. There would be many suitors across the league that would give the Clippers a call.<\/p>\n

Here are potential Leonard landing spots:<\/p>\n

More NBA: Warriors mock draft roundup: Golden State eying Mexican prospect<\/a><\/p>\n

Kawhi Leonard potential landing spots, if traded<\/p>\n

There’s a distinct list of teams that Leonard would fit in with if he was traded from the Clippers. No matter where Leonard could go, he would have to agree to an extension with that team for the trade to work. Here are the teams that should get in the sweepstakes for Leonard, if there is one.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Lakers<\/a><\/p>\n

Rumor has it that Leonard was leaning towards becoming a Laker in 2019, but opted for the other LA team instead. Leonard, a Los Angeles-native, was adamant years ago about wanting to play basketball close to home. After the semi-failed experiment with the Clippers, a cross over to the purple and gold with Luka Doncic<\/a> could be a breath of fresh air for Leonard. If that happened, championship expectations would continue to drive conversations, though there would be some decisions to be made about Austin Reaves<\/a>, LeBron James<\/a> and Rui Hachimura<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n

It’s not sunny, Southern California, but it is still the West Coast. Pairing Leonard with Stephen Curry<\/a> would give the Warriors a defensive presence who is on the level of Draymond Green<\/a>, while simultaneously providing them another scorer and go-to option in late-game situations. The Warriors are trying to hang on to their No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but that would have to be the first asset the Clips target if Golden State was serious about a potential trade. With Leonard expecting $50 million, the wonder is whether the Warriors have the cache to make it happen. One player who made the case? Green on his podcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Toronto Raptors<\/p>\n

It’s a reunion. This would be cool not just for a homecoming sense, but because the Raptors are currently constructed to be a Leonard-type player away from being a team contending for the Eastern Conference championship. This season, Toronto dropped a hard-fought, seven-game first-round series to the Cavaliers. There isn’t any speculation of a Leonard return to T-Dot, but it could be the perfect closing chapter to a future Hall of Fame career.<\/p>\n

Detroit Pistons<\/a><\/p>\n

With the Pistons recent playoff elimination, their flaws were on national display \u2014 specifically missing another guy who can get his own shot and make plays for others. The Detroit offense looked lethargic when the Cavaliers keyed in on Cade Cunningham<\/a>. Adding someone of Leonard’s caliber will fill that void tremendously. Not only that, he fits within the mold of Detroit’s style of play. He’s physical, thrives defensively and is no pushover. Detroit might be a little too far from home for Leonard, but the fit basketball-wise is nearly perfect.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Miami Heat<\/a><\/p>\n

There are questions that the Heat need to answer, one of which is whether they will get back to their identity and represent Heat culture. Bringing in Leonard answers those questions. It would give them a consistent inside-outside game to pair Leonard with Bam Adebayo<\/a>. Not to mention, he would team up with former Clippers teammate Norman Powell<\/a> again. The Heat are made up of guys who aren’t afraid to get scrappy and Leonard is the same, despite his quiet demeanor.<\/p>\n

Sacramento Kings<\/a><\/p>\n

A long shot? Yes. However, as long as the Kings hang on to the No. 7 pick in the draft, they have a little leverage in the trade, especially if a rebuild is the direction the Clippers are headed. Sacramento has been known as basketball purgatory, but there are incentives for Leonard: the board man could get paid, he can be a short flight from home and he would not have to deal with the pressure of championship expectations. The Kings are in the midst of their own rebuild so Leonard may not fit the timeline, but owner Vivek Ranadiv\u00e9 has a fascination with big-name players, so don’t count Sac out.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kawhi Leonard potential trade destinations<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Kawhi Leonard is entering the final year of a three-year, $149.51 million contract extension with the Los Angeles…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":741684,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3789],"tags":[1013,1179,7,363,909,193,559,791,188,200,164,126,2542,532,560,529,4042,4034,192,4032,185,251,135,150,4033,4031,368,189,6,558,91553,1012,477,573,476],"class_list":["post-741753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-los-angeles-clippers","tag-austin-reaves","tag-bam-adebayo","tag-basketball","tag-bennedict-mathurin","tag-cade-cunningham","tag-cleveland-cavaliers","tag-clippers","tag-darius-garland","tag-detroit-pistons","tag-draymond-green","tag-golden-state-warriors","tag-indiana-pacers","tag-isaiah-jackson","tag-ivica-zubac","tag-james-harden","tag-kawhi-leonard","tag-kobe-brown","tag-la","tag-la-clippers","tag-laclippers","tag-lebron-james","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-clippers","tag-los-angeles-lakers","tag-losangeles","tag-losangelesclippers","tag-luka-doncic","tag-miami-heat","tag-nba","tag-norman-powell","tag-pairing-leonard","tag-rui-hachimura","tag-sacramento-kings","tag-stephen-curry","tag-toronto-raptors"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/741753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=741753"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/741753\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/741684"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=741753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=741753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=741753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}