The San Antonio Spurs would reportedly prefer to trade Kawhi Leonard to one specific team, but the situation surrounding the star forward is far from a simple one.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Spurs have actively engaged in trade talks with several teams. In terms of potential return, they would like to work out a deal for Leonard with the Boston Celtics.
The Spurs are fully engaged in trade talks with several teams on Kawhi Leonard, including the Lakers and Celtics, league sources tell ESPN. Boston has long had the assets that the Spurs most covet in a potential Leonard trade.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2018
The biggest problem is that Leonard is reportedly intent on signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he is eligible to become a free agent after next season. That creates a situation where the Celtics might not want to give up much because of the risk of Leonard being a one-year rental, and the Lakers might not be inclined to offer much if they know they’re going to get Leonard next summer anyway.
From Boston’s perspective, that could mean not including a young star like Jaylen Brown in the trade. Danny Ainge would almost certainly prefer to keep Brown and the rest of his young core if he believes Leonard will eventually sign with the Lakers. Wojnarowski added that the Celtics have no intention of making a “risky trade.”
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
Things are a bit more complicated for the Lakers. While they could simply wait it out, they also may need to acquire Leonard in order to convince LeBron James to sign with them this offseason. That is why they are reportedly ramping up their efforts to work out a deal with San Antonio.
