Kawhi Leonard wants out of San Antonio, and he and his team haven’t hidden it. There’s been scuttlebutt of Leonard and the Spurs potentially finding a way to repair their relationship, especially with the mystery surrounding Leonard’s meeting with head coach Gregg Popovich in San Diego, California. On Wednesday, however, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst reported that Leonard is “adamant” about never again suiting up in silver and black:
Leonard has been adamant that he doesn’t want to step into the San Antonio locker room again, and the Spurs have been adamant that they won’t be forced into a trade, or a timetable, prior to the February trading deadline, league sources said. No team talking with the Spurs about Leonard has found them to be in a rush to make a deal.
The Spurs shouldn’t be in a rush to trade Leonard; they don’t want a disgruntled player, but they can afford to take their time and find the best offer for him, especially given ESPN’s report that the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers have all made trade offers for Leonard, while the Lakers remain dead-set on acquiring him.
The Lakers are willing to take on salary in order to acquire a future first-round pick to use as a trade chip for Leonard, ESPN also reported.
The Spurs can sit back and monitor the bidding war over their superstar, and take their time before finally dealing him.
