Leonard seeking trade despite Spurs’ $219M offer
After seven seasons in San Antonio, star forward Kawhi Leonard wants out, according to multiple reports Friday.
Both the San Antonio Express-News and ESPN cited league sources in reporting that Leonard is determined to play elsewhere despite an ExpressNews report earlier this week that said a plan is in place for the sides to sit down and discuss “any issues or concerns Leonard may have, and hopefully come to a decision” about a possible five-year, $219 million supermax extension that the two-time first-team All-NBA guard is eligible to sign this offseason.
Leonard was supposed to meet with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich this week to resolve tension that arose during the All-Star’s lengthy absence last season due to quadriceps tendinopathy, which limited him to just nine games. The two have reportedly had conversations, but haven’t met in person.
The ESPN report says that Leonard has his eye on playing in Los Angeles, preferably for the Lakers. It adds that the Boston Celtics – who made trade overtures for Leonard before the trade deadline – are expected to be a major suitor.
The NBA sent a memo to all 30 teams saying the draft’s “eligibility rules” could change as soon as 2021 based on a review of issues “related to player development and the corruption investigation in college basketball,” according to an ESPN report.