All eyes are on the San Antonio Spurs and what they’re planning to do with their star forward Kawhi Leonard this off season as the team was knocked out the playoffs in the first round by the Golden State Warriors in Game 5.
Leonard, who barely played nine games this year, remains in New York for rehab on his quadriceps. His absence has caused concerns with the team and the front office according to ESPN. They plan to set up a meeting with Leonard this summer to kill all the tension and hopefully get back on the right track. Spurs head coach Greg Popovich, general manager R.C. Buford and the team want Leonard back.
What makes this interesting is the possibility of a trade. Leonard can opt out in 2019 but the Spurs can avoid losing him or trading him by giving Leonard $219 million max contract. However, his health and playing only nine games last season may have the front office start talking. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said that teams will call to check on Leonard’s availability.
Here are the teams that I believe will attempt a trade for Leonard. The L.A. Lakers even though coach Popovich confirmed that he will not trade Leonard to a team in the West. A nice big three would be Leonard, Eric Bledsoe and Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. Boston Celtics may consider it but of course they would have to give up Kyrie Irving and a pick with both players suffering health issues. Spurs may have to look into investing in a point guard with veteran Tony Parker on the decline. The last team will be the Philadelphia 76ers who have become very likable this season. Rumors have it that LeBron James may be going to Philly but there’s no guarantee as it seems that James will wait out the playoffs. Sixers would have to give up some key players for Leonard which would benefit the Spurs.
Danny Green told ESPN, “Kawhi, everybody asks questions, but he’s still here. He’s still locked in. He’s a part of the team until things change.”
To be honest, no one knows anything except Leonard.