The Lakers have reportedly reached out to the Spurs about a potential Kawhi Leonard trade, but it does not sound like San Antonio is open to holding discussions with its Western Conference rival.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers and Spurs never discussed any specific deals involving Leonard because San Antonio “shut the door” on Magic Johnson and company.
Within the last week the Lakers contacted the Spurs to discuss a Kawhi Leonard trade. As one source put it, “they basically shut the door on us.”
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 21, 2018
No players were ever discussed. The conversation never got that far. And it hasn’t continued
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 21, 2018
For what it’s worth, we have already shared with you a report that indicated Spurs coach Gregg Popovich would rather take less from another team to send Leonard out of the West. The fact that the Spurs weren’t even willing to discuss a deal with the Lakers indicates that could be the case.
The Spurs are said to be listening to offers for Leonard, but they are not actively pursuing a trade. While it’s possible they could be holding out hope that they can smooth things over with the star forward, Leonard is apparently angry over the way one of his teammates criticized him publicly.
