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The NBA is such a competitive and unpredictable environment that even the most hyped superstar moves are never guaranteed to produce the desired results. Kawhi Leonard‘s time with the Los Angeles Clippers is a striking example of such a case.
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After six seasons with the franchise, not only did the two-time Finals MVP fail to bring any success, but he has ended his time in such a catastrophic manner that, while he is set to join the Toronto Raptors, the Clippers’ owner and team president have been suspended for a year with a $30 million fine to be paid.
Thus, looking back at the combination of what the Clippers surrendered to acquire Kawhi and what the organization has lost since, former NBA champ Brendan Haywood believes Leonard’s tenure could ultimately be remembered as one of the most damaging superstar eras any franchise has experienced.
“This is gonna be the worst tenure of any star player with any franchise, just because of the fact that they didn’t win and what they lost. You lost 10 first-round picks and a future MVP that went on to win a championship, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, two-time MVP,” Haywood said. “He took five picks on the way in, five picks on the way out and you never went to the Finals.”
Brendan Haywood says Kawhi Leonard had the worst superstar tenure in NBA history
“When you look at his tenure, this is gonna be the worst tenure of any star player with any franchise. Just because of the fact that they didn’t win, and what they lost. You lost 10 first-round… pic.twitter.com/JmwZ1VlEGp
— katsu (@katsuxbt) September 15, 2026
Kawhi did cost the Clippers a lot
Leonard averaged 25.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game across six seasons with the Clippers, producing at an elite level whenever he was available.
Availability, however, remained one of the biggest issues throughout his LA tenure. The Claw reached the 65-game threshold in only two seasons with the franchise and as injuries repeatedly interrupted his time on the court, he was unable to lead the Clippers past the first round of the playoffs after 2021.
More shocking is what the Clippers gave up to acquire and then be patient with Kawhi throughout his tenure.
The Clippers let go of two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari while also sending out a series of first-round picks and future draft picks in order to start the Kawhi era. Moreover, their outgoing package ultimately included the 2021 unprotected Miami first-round pick, the 2022 unprotected Clippers first-round pick, the 2023 protected Miami pick, the 2024 and 2026 unprotected Clippers picks, along with multiple swap rights.
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And now, after the revelation of the financial fraud, the NBA has stripped the Clippers of five more first-round picks.
Thus, Haywood sarcastically clapped at how the Kawhi-era has troubled the Clippers more than anyone could imagine in their worst nightmares.
“Now they’re a rebuilding team, trying to rebuild with no first-round picks at all,” Haywood continued.
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Kawhi may have entitled himself as a villain
For years, Kawhi’s public image was built around his unusual approach to fame. He rarely appeared interested in cultivating the traditional superstar persona and generally allowed his basketball to do the talking.
This controversy, however, has flipped that perception on its head and has rather painted Kawhi as a superstar who is interested in personal gains and seems hell-bent on avoiding accountability.
Now the bigger question is whether the seven-time All-Star can change this perception about himself in a new environment in Toronto.
Related: “He’s a gangster” – Stephen A. Smith unloads on Kawhi Leonard after the Clippers’ NBA punishment
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This story was originally published September 16, 2026 at 8:44 AM.