League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Clippers face rebuild after Kawhi Leonard's trade and scandal

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 17, 2026, 5:07 AM

Last updated Oct 17, 2026

Clippers face rebuild after Kawhi Leonard's trade and scandal

Summary

The Los Angeles Clippers are entering a challenging 2026-27 season following the trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors and a scandal involving cap circumvention. The NBA fined the franchise and resulted in the loss of first-round picks from 2029 to 2033, complicating their future. With key players like Brandon Ingram and Max Strus sidelined by injuries, Darius Garland is expected to take on a larger role in the lineup. The Clippers will now look to develop their younger talent as they navigate this transition period.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Market Watch

•Kawhi Leonard traded to the Raptors amid offseason scandals.
•Clippers lose first-round picks from 2029 to 2033 due to fines.
•Brandon Ingram and Max Strus will miss the start of the season.
•Darius Garland is expected to step up in the upcoming campaign.
•Team focuses on developing young players amid rebuild.

Latest Updates

5:07 AMYahoo Sports — 3 Los Angeles Clippers bold season predictions after Kawhi Leonard trade, scandal leave franchise gutted

What they're saying

"
Reality is about to hit the Los Angeles Clippers hard. It’s hard to fault the Clippers for selling the farm to bring in Kawhi Leonard back in 2019. But their gambit did not work. All they have to show for Leonard’s tenure are three playoff series wins — and it cost them two-time NBA MVP and future Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the process […] The post 3 Los Angeles Clippers bold season predictions after Kawhi Leonard trade, scandal leave franchise gutted appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Cleveland Cavaliers Los Angeles Clippers Toronto Raptors NBA Basketball