One of the most intriguing storylines of the NBA regular season has now also infiltrated the offseason, as San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard appears to be ready for a fresh start after a tumultuous campaign.
Leonard reportedly wants out of San Antonio and with the disgruntled forward growing more and more uncomfortable, there will be no shortage of suitors for the superstar’s services. Teams such as the Lakers, Celtics, and Knicks have already been linked to Leonard and according to Bookmaker.eu, Las Vegas odds pin the Lakers as the likeliest destination for Leonard this summer.
Los Angeles Lakers -140
Boston Celtics +350
Philadelphia 76ers +500
San Antonio Spurs +700
Los Angeles Clippers +1000
Phoenix Suns +1800
Cleveland Cavaliers +3200
Milwaukee Bucks +4500
Field +800
Though Kawhi Leonard has reportedly expressed that he hopes to play in a Lakers uniform next season, them having the highest odds to land him shouldn’t hold much weight. Yes, Leonard wants to leave San Antonio, but without any sort of no-trade clause, the forward has almost no say in where he is dealt to.
If a deal were to be explored, there is no doubt the Spurs would do whatever is best for their franchise. When fully healthy, Leonard is undoubtedly a top-five NBA player and should be treated as such. Even though next year could effectively be the last on his contract before he hits free agency due to a player option, teams should still be more than willing to take a risk on a player of his caliber.
The Lakers do have the assets to make a deal, as they roster a myriad of young, promising players that would help expedite the Spurs rebuild. But it remains to be seen whether a deal is done, as all their attention may be focused on free agency when they will have the chance to lure LeBron James, Paul George or potentially both.
Of course, the Boston Celtics are loaded with assets as well and President Danny Ainge is more than capable of pulling off a deal for Leonard. There are plenty of teams that will have interest in Leonard, but it remains to be seen whether the Spurs find the right package from a trade partner.
