Leonard’s move could spark NBA trade war
Might be trigger for lively off-season
WASHINGTON The first domino of what is certain to be a wild NBA off-season came Friday from what has been the lone stable outpost in a league of insanity: the San Antonio Spurs. Kawhi Leonard’s camp disseminating that he wants to be traded — Los Angeles is his preferred destination — was the opening salvo in an off-season that has a chance to remake the NBA landscape.
Leonard’s future in San Antonio has been uncertain for months. Lingering resentment over Leonard’s rehabilitation from a mysterious quad injury has poisoned a relationship that has been a perfect pairing since he arrived seven years ago.
San Antonio has the ability to hand Leonard a five-year designated player veteran extension worth US$219 million this summer.
If San Antonio offers Leonard that deal, it seems hard to believe he would say no to signing it. But that “if,” when it comes to offering Leonard that extension, is at the centre of this situation.
It’s time to look at the options San Antonio will have if it decides to move Leonard. He has made it known Los Angeles is his top destination, with both the Lakers (with Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball) and the Clippers (with the 12th and 13th picks in this year’s draft, plus players such as Tobias Harris and Patrick Beverley on expiring contracts) having ammunition.
The Lakers being in the market for both LeBron James and Paul George has already led many to believe it is a fait accompli Leonard will join the two of them in Los Angeles this summer, creating a super team to take on the Warriors.
Top 10 players in the NBA don’t grow on trees. There will be a market for him regardless of where he says he’ll sign.
So where could he wind up? Both Los Angeles teams remain options out West. In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers loom as one possibility, with the eighth pick, Kevin Love and George Hill to float in negotiations — particularly if James stays. More likely, though, is that the Philadelphia 76ers — who have Markelle Fultz and the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft, and the Boston Celtics could outbid them.