Report: Relationship between Popovich, Leonard remains strong

There has been plenty of drama surrounding the San Antonio Spurs this season, which Manu Ginobili is calling the weirdest of his career. But there is one positive despite it all: the relationship between Gregg Popovich and Kawhi Leonard reportedly is strong.

The Washington Post’s Tim Bontemps wrote about the Spurs for an article published on Wednesday. In the article, Bontemps says the relationship between Leonard and Pop remains strong.

“But is a reconciliation even possible? The relationship between Popovich and Leonard, multiple sources say, remains strong,” Bontemps writes.

Even if they maintain a good relationship, Bontemps cautions that that doesn’t necessarily mean the two sides will work things out. Leonard has only played in nine games this season due to a quad injury. He reportedly was cleared to return by the Spurs, but he has not come back because he has not received clearance from his medical group.

Popovich hinted at the nature of issues between the sides when he directed questions to Leonard’s “group.”

Bontemps mentioned the Clippers, 76ers and Cavaliers as possibilities if the Spurs decide to trade Leonard. A previous report said the Clippers were working on a package if Leonard becomes available.