One of the more desirable stars who reportedly want to move out from his current team had only played a total of nine games last season because of a quadriceps injury. Adding to the drama, it was also reported that another team with a superstar also rumored to be on the move had inquired about the availability of the small forward.
It was reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the several teams that had made calls to the San Antonio Spurs asking about Kawhi Leonard. This is perhaps to entice LeBron James to change his mind and remain a Cavalier for at least one more season.
The trio of LBJ, Kawhi and Kevin Love would be intriguing and admittedly, could be potent. Together they could make another run for the championship and do an Episode Five with the Golden State Warriors. The question is – will Kawhi and LBJ’s Cavaliers click?
But what can Cleveland offer to the Spurs in return? They have the 8th pick in this year’s Rookie Draft and could offer it to San Antonio in exchange for Kawhi plus Larry Nance, Jr. and Jordan Clarkson. Yet, there are at least three other teams who can make better offers to the Spurs.
The Boston Celtics have the most assets. They can offer to San Antonio future draft picks and the likes of Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier or maybe Jason Tatum to sweeten the pot. Philadelphia can give away their 10th pick plus Markelle Fultz and Robert Covington or Dario Saric. With their 12th and 13th pick, the LA Clippers can deal for Kawhi plus perhaps DeAndre Jordan.
It was also reported that the LA Lakers “had long been Leonard’s preferred destination”. The Lakers can build a package around Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball and involve another team to close the deal. Just like Nance, Jr., I would hate to see Kuzma go, but it is highly unlikely that the Spurs and Coach Greg Popovich will take in Ball with the extra baggage he carries around called Lavar.
It was also reported that Paul George would agree to a max deal and remain with Oklahoma City as he and Russell Westbrook had bonded really well and gotten close. With this development, the Lakers could be focusing their attention on Leonard.
Kawhi Leonard is tempting for the Lakers but will he be healthy? Will he be able to lead the Lakers to a winning season? I would rather stick with the young core plus Julius Randle, Josh Hart and Ivica Zubac. In the next 6 years, this core will be at their strongest peak and together could be the resurrection of the Showtime Lakers. LeBron and George, if ever they’ll join the Lakers, will be shadows of their former selves in two years. Then it’s Laker Dysfunction Part 2.
Chances are, Kawhi will remain in San Antonio and then perhaps they will make a move in the middle of the season. The team is known to be patient and won’t be doing any drastic changes.