10 MEMORABLE TRADES

Franchise long familiar with dealing star players

If the Spurs wind up trading Kawhi Leonard, it wouldn’t be the first time they have dealt a star player.

James Silas, George Gervin, Artis Gilmore, Alvin Robertson and Sean Elliott all departed via trades, although Elliott returned to the club in the same manner for a second stint highlighted by him sinking the most famous shot in franchise history.

But if the Spurs trade Leonard this summer, it would count as one of the few times they have dealt a franchise player in his prime.

The embattled forward, who was at odds with the Spurs last season over his drama-filled rehab from what the club termed quadriceps tendinopathy, will be eligible for a five-year, $219 million contract extension starting July 1. If the parties can’t come to terms, the Spurs could be forced to trade him in a blockbuster deal that would reverberate around the NBA.

With trade rumors about Leonard swirling, here’s a look at 10 of the most memorable swaps in Spurs history in chronological order:

Date: Jan. 30, 1974

Deal: Spurs buy George Gervin from the Virginia Squires for $225,000.

Outcome: Midway through their first season in San Antonio as members of the American Basketball Association, the Spurs desperately needed a star to ensure their survival. They got that and then some when they acquired “The Iceman” from the Squires for $225,000 cash.

The bold move by primary owners B.J. “Red” McCombs and Angelo Drossos gave the Spurs an entertaining drawing card that attracted fans from throughout South Texas and

Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News Kawhi Leonard arrived in a draft-day trade with the Pacers in 2011, and the small forward might be dealt again this summer.

Rick McFarland / San Antonio Express-News Future Hall of Famer George Gervin and high-scoring Mike Mitchell both came to the Spurs in one-sided deals.