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The Clippers have the perfect Kawhi Leonard contingency plan

Should Leonard's contract be voided, LA does have a replacement on their roster
ByIsmail Sy|
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Mar 27, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates the game winning shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates the game winning shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Clippers came into the season looking to build off last year, but they fell flat on their face at the starting line.

The Clipper started the year off 6-21, despite returning most of last season’s roster that took the Denver Nuggets to seven games. LA did right the ship and had an 18-3 stretch, before they shockingly traded James Harden away to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and then Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson.

Since then, the Clippers have kept on winning. Garland and Mathurin have fit in seamlessly next to Leonard. Mathurin has thrived in his off the bench role and while he is in a contract year, his long-term outlook in LA looks positive.

Mathurin could find himself replacing Kawhi Leonard as the team’s small forward of the future

Leonard is in his mid-30s and while he has mostly had a clean bill of health this season, he has a well-documented injury history. He also has the impending NBA ruling on the whole Aspiration scandal involving his contract, so that is also up in the air. It’s possible that Leonard’s contract with the Clippers could be voided.

Either way, LA has a great replacement option in Mathurin. He’s averaging 20 points per game, six rebounds, and two assists in 30 minutes per game. His efficiency hasn’t been the best, as he is only shooting 43 percent from the field and 18 percent from three-point range, but he has still been very effective.

He has been attacking the rim relentlessly, as he is shooting eight free-throws per game, up from the five free-throws he was attempting with the Pacers this season.

Mathurin looks very comfortable in his sixth-man role, and he has shown great synergy with Garland and Leonard. The trio has an absurd +51.3 net rating in 103 possessions together, with an offensive rating of 147.6. Those are insane numbers and will likely average out, but you can see the potential this group has together. 

Mahturin has the two-way chops to be a valuable starting forward in the league or off the bench. He was a key contributor on Indiana’s finals team last season, hitting big-time shots for them, and having a high level of toughness. 

He can fill that same role in LA, but could also thrive with increased opportunity, should Leonard leave in the future. Overall, the Clippers have a brighter future with Garland and Mathurin in the fold.

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