Kawhi Leonard reportedly wants to leave San Antonio
Could Leonard be traded to the Celtics?
Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard wants out of San Antonio, according to multiple reports Friday afternoon.
Kawhi Leonard wants out from the San Antonio Spurs, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2018
News of Leonard’s desire comes just days after the 26-year-old was expected to meet with coach Gregg Popovich to discuss the most recent season and his future with the team. Leonard — who was drafted 15th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft — has spent all seven seasons of his career with the Spurs.
He was a vital contributor to the team’s 2014 championship, becoming the third-youngest player to earn Finals MVP honors.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics will be interested in “probing” the Spurs about a potential deal — should Leonard become available in trade talks.
If Kawhi Leonard does become available in trade talks, the Boston Celtics will be interested in probing the Spurs about a deal, league sources tell ESPN. Boston inquired about a trade prior to the February deadline, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2018
Wojnarowski reported earlier this week Boston had made San Antonio an offer for Leonard before the league’s February trade deadline. The Spurs reportedly turned the deal down and did not make the Celtics a counterproposal. Wojnarowski did not specify which player(s) and/or draft asset(s) were included in Boston’s offer.
Leonard played just nine games last season, before missing the remainder of the year with a quad injury. Wojnarowski previously reported in January that Leonard was unhappy with the way the Spurs were handling his injury. He was reportedly “distant” and “disconnected” from the team during his rehab, which sparked speculation he was considering leaving San Antonio.
Wojnarowski reported Friday Leonard’s top preference for a trade destination is the Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Sacramento Kings are also expected to have interest in the two-time All-Star.
The Spurs are reportedly not going to rush the situation.
Sources: So far, Leonard has expressed nothing directly to Spurs about future. Lakers and Clippers interest Leonard — and both teams would move quickly to assemble packages to acquire Leonard. Spurs won’t rush. Leonard and his camp had shown interest in $219M super max deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1007676505562984450
