Where Will Kawhi Leonard Play Next Season?
In a season full of unprecedented storylines, the mysterious case of Kawhi Leonard and his injuries reigns supreme as the most unpredictable one of all. Leonard only played nine games this season, and left the team entirely for large stints of time on multiple occasions. The Spurs have been pushing him to play all year long, but he and his camp have refused time and time again. Considering the apparent discontent on both sides, it’s reasonable to expect San Antonio to gauge Leonard’s value in the trade market as he enters his contract year. Luckily for them, plenty of teams have the chance to put together an intriguing package.
Los Angeles Clippers
Trade Package: Patrick Beverley, Tobias Harris, 12th pick, 13th pick
This would give the Spurs a lot of optionality. They would have two players who could either be slotted into useful roles as starters if they wanted to continue being as competitive as possible, or flipped for young players and draft picks if the Spurs chose to rebuild. Having picks 12 and 13, on top of the 18th pick that they already own, gives them a chance to take as many shots at the dart board as they can, or they can consolidate those picks by moving up and taking one shot on a much more highly-regarded prospect. While the Clippers may not have the most valuable offer, it might be the one that gives San Antonio the most flexibility.
Phoenix Suns
Trade Package: Josh Jackson, TJ Warren, 16th pick, 2021 Miami first-round pick
Phoenix would likely not be willing to deal their own first-rounder this year, guaranteed to land somewhere in the top four. But instead, they can give the mid-first that they originally belonged to Miami, on top of a future first-rounder Miami gave them in the same trade. Then San Antonio also gets an extremely valuable young player in Josh Jackson, someone who has often drawn comparisons to Leonard because of his massive upside on the defensive end. Additionally, they would add a good scorer in Warren, who would fill their need for perimeter shot-making.
Los Angeles Lakers
Trade Package: Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, 2020 first-round pick
The likelihood of this trade is entirely dependent on San Antonio’s opinion on Ingram. If they view him as a potential superstar the same way the Lakers do, they could very well jump at this offer. If they, like many others, don’t believe in his chances of stardom, they will laugh and hang up the phone.
Philadelphia 76ers
Trade Package: Robert Covington, Markelle Fultz, 10th pick
This is by far the most valuable package available- it might even be too much to give up for Philly. Covington is a prototypical Spurs-ian 3&D wing, Fultz is a superstar in the making if he can find his old jumper, and the 10th pick in the draft is always very valuable. It also should be noted that if Fultz is going to reclaim his shooting prowess anywhere, it would be San Antonio- the Spurs have an assistant coach by the name of Chip Engelland who is famous for turning bad jump-shooters into good ones- including Kawhi Leonard. Philadelphia should absolutely not trade this much for a player who they believe has heavy interest in coming to Philly when he hits free agency in the summer of 2019. But with an aggressive GM in Bryan Colangelo who is less patient than you might like, anything is possible.
