Warriors must acquire 6-foot-5 Clippers wing amid Kawhi Leonard scandal, help Steph Curry

A bombshell report alleges the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the NBA's salary cap by paying Kawhi Leonard $28 million for a "no-show job," causing significant turmoil for the franchise. This scandal, combined with the team's aging roster and injury vulnerabilities, could force the Clippers into a reset ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Amid this uncertainty, the Golden State Warriors are positioned to potentially capitalize on the situation by pursuing a trade for Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. The Warriors view this as an opportunity to acquire a reliable veteran role player to support Stephen Curry and extend their championship window.

Jones Jr., 28, is coming off a strong season with the Clippers where he averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 60.9% true shooting in 77 appearances. His athleticism and two-way versatility make him an attractive target for contending teams.

A hypothetical trade would likely require the Warriors to part with a young asset like Moses Moody, but the move could significantly bolster their reserve unit and provide much-needed support around Curry as they look to remain competitive in the Western Conference.