How Kawhi Leonard's injury affects the OKC Thunder

Kawhi Leonard has a new injury update.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers star is expected to be sidelined indefinitely as the NBA season begins as he rehabs inflammation in his right knee.

The 33-year-old striker has yet to play a pre-season game for the team and will now be out for an undisclosed period of time, which is usually a bad sign when it comes to injuries. Leonard has been battling inflammation for several months, dating back to last year's regular season and the Olympics.

The news is obviously a blow to LA, which needed Leonard's talents alongside former MVP James Harden to compete in the Western Conference this season.

Acquired in the same offseason that Paul George was traded from OKC to LA, Leonard was a crucial factor in their success, but unfortunately health issues followed him. Now George has moved on to greener pastures in Philadelphia, so the chances for LA are a bit uncertain.

Now Oklahoma City itself is in a good position in the Western Conference with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and others. And the 2025 NBA Draft chances are probably better with the talented Leonard having to sit out.

The Thunder have the Clippers' pick swap this season. That means if LA ends up ahead of Oklahoma City in the draft, the Thunder will automatically be selected there instead.

The Thunder have already reaped the benefits of trading George. And with the 2025 NBA Draft looking to be going well, it seems like they could do this again.

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