The Boston Celtics may have the assets that appeal to the San Antonio Spurs the most in a potential Kawhi Leonard trade, but that does not mean they are willing to part with them.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday that Boston is one of the teams that have engaged in trade talks with the Spurs. However, he notes that Celtics president Danny Ainge is proceeding with caution, as Leonard’s health is still a question mark and he could leave next summer in free agency.
Boston's extremely cautious on Leonard front. There's so much uncertainty w/ Leonard's future — health, free agent desires, etc. Will Leonard be same player? That's hard to tell. Celtics don't have to make a risky trade and have no intention to do so. It's an interesting dance. https://t.co/gVECzgxrYM
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2018
Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe took things a step further, calling a Leonard trade between the Celtics and Spurs “quite unlikely.”
Continuing to hear that Kawhi to the Celtics remains quite unlikely. Lots of variables and question marks with contract, injury, and Cs being reluctant to part with stars given that situation.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) June 28, 2018
Gary Washburn, another Globe reporter, was told the Celtics have not offered Jaylen Brown in talks with San Antonio.
Hearing Jaylen Brown has NOT been discussed in any potential deal for Kawhi Leonard. #Celtics are taking conservative approach in talks with #Spurs.
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) June 28, 2018
Ainge would almost certainly be willing to give up Brown if Leonard would commit to signing an extension with the Celtics, but he’s not going to take that risk if Leonard is intent on signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Spurs could also try to smooth things over with Leonard and hold onto him for a while longer, but one of the latest reports makes that seem unlikely. Perhaps the price tag will drop if Boston remains patient.
