Kendrick Perkins trashes Kawhi Leonard for being selfish

ByNBAUSA


Kendrick Perkins triggered sharp criticism of Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard on a recent episode of the Road Trippin’ podcast, accusing him of being selfish and calling the team’s decision to sign him “one of the worst free agent signings in NBA history.” Remarks come as The Clippers fall to 5–16 during the 2025–26 seasonlosing 14 of their last 16 games.

Perkins’ comments were triggered by the Leonards post-match remarks following The Clippers lost the NBA Cup 135–118 to the Los Angeles Lakers last week. Leonard said, “I just need to get the right lineups on the court, I guess. Get some more talent. Play with better talent and see what happens.”

Perkins responded with a scathing assessment.

“When you think about where the Clippers are today. You think about Kawhi Leonard and his comments that he made last week, basically saying he needs better players around him,” Perkins said. “Do you think Kawhi Leonard came out and struggled to contain Paul George? hell no. Do you think he came out and said, ‘Hey man, you don’t trade Norman Powell. The man averaged 24 for us last season. Man, you gotta pay the man.’ hell no. Because Kawhi Leonard only cares about Kawhi Leonard.”

Kendrick Perkins called Kawhi Leonard the worst superstar signing in NBA history

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and guard James Harden (1) sit on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Mandatory credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Perkins continued, pointing out Leonard’s $153 million extension was signed in 2024.

“It’s too late because now he’s just starting, I believe, the first year of the $153 million extension they gave him last year. So his trade value isn’t there. So now you’re stuck with him going 5-16 years and going absolutely nowhere.”

The former NBA center went so far as to call Leonard’s arrival one of the worst high-profile signings in recent memory.

“I’m telling you, we’re going into free agent signing history when it comes to superstar status, this ranks at the top as far as the worst signing in NBA history when they signed him back in 2021-22.”

Leonard, usually spared harsh public criticism for his quiet demeanor, is now under increased scrutiny as the Clippers continue to slide down the Western Conference standings.

The Clippers’ season is moving forward after major roster changes and internal turmoil

The team’s roster has undergone significant changes over the past two offseasons. Paul George, Leonard’s teammate since 2019, left for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2024 offseason. Then, this past offseason, The Clippers traded Norman Powell — coming off an All-Star caliber campaign — to the Miami Heat in a three-team deal that brought back forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz.

Powell has since thrived in Miami, averaging 25 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 45.7% from three in 17 games. Collins, meanwhile, struggled to find consistency in Los Angeles, posting his lowest numbers since his first year.

Tensions further escalated this week when the franchise icon Chris Paul – on his farewell tour – revealed via Instagram that he had been sent home. “Just found out I’m being sent home,” he wrote at 3am ET with a peace emoji. The Clippers later confirmed the decision, and president Lawrence Frank emphasized that Paul was not to blame for the team’s poor performance.

Leonard remains productive individually, averaging 26.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game on 53.3% shooting from the field, 48.1% from three and 97.1% from the free throw line in 11 games. But with the team in disarray, critics like Perkins openly questioned Leonard’s leadership and long-term value.

The Clippers will try to stop their five-game skid on Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks (13-9) as the pressure mounts on Leonard and the franchise.





2025-12-03 18:47:00

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