Clippers Keep Kawhi Leonard Amid Deadline Drama

The Clippers shook the roster, sending James Harden to Cleveland and Ivica Zubac to Indiana while bringing in Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson. Yet, per Chris Haynes, the team "aren't moving" Kawhi Leonard, who now stands as Los Angeles' lone star. Leonard has returned to elite form in 36 games, averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals, and the club now leans on him to lift a 23-27 team toward the playoffs. Merlin sees the trade dance as a reset. Garland adds playmaking and Mathurin brings scoring punch, but the Clippers will live and die by Kawhi’s health and defense. If Leonard stays healthy and the new pieces fit quickly, the West picture shifts; if not, the season could slip away.