There has been no shortage of teams reportedly interested for Kawhi Leonard following the news that an “uncomfortable” relationship with the San Antonio Spurs has the All-Star wanting out.
Leonard’s relationship with the Spurs soured over the course of the 2017-18 NBA season, as the 2015 Defensive Player of the Year recovered from a quad injury.
It is not often a player with the status of Leonard is presumably made available so soon before his free agency. Consequently, many teams are ready to finagle a deal attractive enough to lure the superstar out of San Antonio.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Lakers are Leonard’s preferred trade destination, but there will be some stiff competition for the former Finals MVP’s services.
The Los Angeles Clippers, a team that is wielding multiple draft picks and an intriguing roster of players, could be motivated to finally take a chance on dealing for the California native.
Following from USA Today Sports,
As USA TODAY Sports reported in mid-April, the Clippers have been hoping for this very moment to arrive and are expected to make a hard push to land Leonard. They have the No. 12 and No. 13 picks in Thursday’s draft and could put together the kind of package that allows the Spurs to infuse their roster with a combination of high-end prospects and veterans.
Wojnarowski reports the Boston Celtics are a team that is ready and willing to package together assets should Spurs general manager RC Buford make Leonard available.
Following from ESPN,
If Leonard does become available in trade talks, the Boston Celtics will be interested in probing the Spurs about a deal; league sources told Wojnarowski.
Boston, according to Wojnarowski, fielded trade offers for Leonard before the February trade deadline.
The Sacramento Kings, with the second overall pick in hand, are expected to try their luck in adding Leonard their team, according to USA Today Sports’ Sam Amick.
The Philadelphia Sixers, per a report from the Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, also have interest in pursuing Leonard.
Leonard is under contract with the Spurs through the 2018-19 season but does have a player option for the 2019-20 season. Next season, Leonard is eligible for a supermax contract extension worth about $219 million.
