The Los Angeles Clippers are struggling badly this season. With a 5–16 record, they are near the bottom of the Western Conference. Their hopes of winning a championship now look almost impossible. Because of this terrible start, many people are wondering if signing Kawhi Leonard was a huge mistake for the team. This situation has brought a lot of attention in NBA news and started big debates.
Former NBA player and current analyst Kendrick Perkins gave a very strong opinion that shocked many fans.
Kendrick Perkins’ Scathing Critique of “The Klaw”
On the Road Trippin’ Show, Kendrick Perkins said the Clippers signing Kawhi Leonard was “one of the worst free-agent signings in NBA history.” He said this not because Leonard is a bad player, but because the team gave up too much to get him. Perkins believes the move has hurt the Clippers so much that it might set them back “10 to 15 years.”
Many NBA experts now agree that this may be true. Kawhi’s constant injuries and the team’s weak roster make the situation look worse every year.
The Catastrophic Paul George Trade: Collateral Damage
To understand Perkins’ point, you must look at what the Clippers had to give up. Kawhi reportedly told the team he would only join them if they also traded for another star. Because of this, the Clippers made a huge trade for Paul George. They sent many draft picks and young player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Looking back now, this trade looks terrible for the Clippers. SGA has become a superstar, while the Clippers’ stars are getting older and injured more often. Perkins said the Clippers wanted to keep SGA, but Kawhi did not want that. This decision is a major reason why the signing is now seen as a big mistake.
Stuck in NBA Limbo: No Picks, No Progress
The Clippers’ problem is not just losing games. Their future is also in trouble.
They cannot rebuild:
Because they traded so many picks to the Thunder, the Clippers do not have their own first-round picks for many years. Their 2026 pick might be a Top-5 pick, but it will go to the Thunder. They cannot lose on purpose (tank) to get young talent.
They cannot compete well:
Their main players—Kawhi Leonard and Paul George—are older, often injured, and the team does not fit together well. They might make the playoffs, but they do not look like a championship team.
Because they have no control of their picks and no clear plan, the Clippers are stuck. They tried to win a championship with Kawhi and George, but without a title, the cost of this plan looks like a huge failure.
Is Kawhi Leonard the Most Costly Mistake of the Decade?
Kawhi Leonard is still an amazing player when he is healthy. But he has only played 277 out of 492 possible games since joining the Clippers. The team also lost SGA and many draft picks. All of this has created long-term damage.
If the Clippers do not win a championship, Kendrick Perkins’ bold statement may become true. The missed games, lost young star, and lack of future draft picks make this one of the most damaging decisions in recent NBA history. It is a big lesson for the Clippers and the entire league.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sports commentary. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.