Multiple NBA teams are preparing to inquire on the availability of San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard once the season ends, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Leonard, who’s been away from the Spurs for most of the season, has played in only six games on the year with the team.
“I’ve already talked to several general managers,” Windhorst said. “At the end of the season, teams will call the Spurs and inquire about the availability of Kawhi Leonard.”
Inquiries in the NBA happen frequently, even with superstars at the level of Kawhi Leonard. Most teams have been hesitant to contact San Antonio for obvious reasons in recent years, given their family-first mentality and desire to build their franchise from within their own core.
With the sudden discord and disagreement between Leonard’s camp and the Spurs, the seemingly improbable scenario of a trade out of San Antonio has now become possible for Leonard. Leonard has the option to sign an extension with the Spurs this summer, and he also has the obvious option of requesting a trade.
The Spurs held a players-only meeting last month to address Leonard’s absence and question the severity of his injury, with teammates voicing both support and confusion for his situation to the press.
Leonard, a two-time All-Star and former NBA Finals MVP, has spent the past week away from the Spurs working out in New York. He established himself as a top-5 NBA player last season, averaging 25.5 points per game to go along with his typical stellar defense.
The Spurs can clinch a Playoff berth on Tuesday with a win and a Nuggets loss.
