Kawhi deal will be tough for Knicks
The drama between Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs could end with the superstar in a much bigger spotlight.
After Leonard missed all but nine games this season with a right quadriceps injury — and remained in New York to rehab away from the only franchise for which he ever has played — the Spurs have become concerned that the season-long squabble between the player and team is linked to a desire among Leonard’s advisers to get him traded to a larger market — such as New York, Philadelphia or his hometown of Los Angeles — according to multiple sources in an ESPN report.
The soonto-be 27-yearold has a year remaining on his contract but is eligible to receive a five-year, $219 million extension this offseason. However, it is unclear whether the small-market Spurs wish to offer the supermax deal — especially after Leonard’s actions, and inaction, this season — and it is also unclear whether Leonard would accept an offer, if presented.
The Clippers are one of several teams that reportedly already have planned a trade package if Leonard becomes available. The Knicks likely would struggle to make an attractive offer that doesn’t include Kristaps Porzingis, and the Nets likely don’t have enough talent to compete with other potential trades.
Spurs general manager R.C. Buford is “constantly losing sleep over how and why the relationship with Leonard has disintegrated,” according to the ESPN report, stemming from disagreement between the Spurs and outside doctors — sought by Leonard’s agent, Mitch Frankel, and uncle, Dennis Robertson — about the severity and cause of Leonard’s injury, and how to treat it.
“Kawhi is the same person,” a league source with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN. “The only thing that has changed about him is the people speaking for him now.”