Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight? Exploring Clippers star's status vs Mavericks (Oct. 14)

Kawhi Leonard remains unlikely to play for the LA Clippers in preseason ahead of Monday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. His knee injury issues returned toward the end of the regular season last year after a relatively healthy run. Leonard played 68 games, including back-to-backs for the first time since 2016-17.

The two-time finals MVP was set to play this offseason for Team USA. However, he had to cut his time short as his knee bothered him again. The Clippers have been cautious about their star's health this offseason, holding him out of drill work.

"The biggest thing for us is making sure we do right by Kawhi," Clippers coach Ty Lue said on Oct. 8 (h/t Clippers' beat writer Farbod Esnaashari).

"Not let him hurt himself as he tries to get back... If he gets pissed off at us while protecting him, so be it."

That has made Kawhi Leonard's preseason appearance unlikely, especially for the matchup against Dallas tonight. The Clippers have one more game against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday before opening night, so LA might give him some restricted minutes in that game to test his progress.

Kawhi Leonard-Clippers partnership could be on the verge of playing out its final season

Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers could be on the verge of their final season together. LA is depleted ahead of the new season with Paul George departing for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Leonard is their only bona fide All-Star player, leading the team alongside an aging James Harden.

The two are surrounded by quality role players, but that won't be enough, especially in the stacked Western Conference. The Clippers managed a top-four finish last year behind nearly 70 games each played between Leonard, George and Harden.

With Leonard's knee bothering him again, it's uncertain if LA will see him in action as much as it did last year. Harden is no longer a primary scorer-caliber star, leaving the Clippers with few options to keep their ship afloat.

The signs of Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers potentially playing out the final season of their partnership seem likely at this rate if another disappointing season with the 33-year-old leading their charge ensues. He would have $100.3 million owed over two years after this season, and LA might not be interested in keeping this failing partnership alive at that cost.

If that is the case, the Clippers could generate significant value from most players on their roster to transition into a rebuild and start their championship bid from scratch.