Though the LeBron James sweepstakes and Paul George decision have taken up more headlines for the NBA media recently, Kawhi Leonard‘s situation in San Antonio has also been one to monitor very closely. It was reported recently that the two sides would be meeting very soon, with Coach Popovich to have the same type of conversation he had with LaMarcus Aldridge last year when he wanted out.
It is not clear as of now whether those talks already took place, but as reported by Yahoo Sports and ESPN, Leonard has grown discontent of the Spurs organization after how they handled his quad injury and is ready to leave.
Kawhi Leonard wants out from the San Antonio Spurs, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2018
San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard has Los Angeles — preferably the Lakers — at the center of his preferences for a trade destination, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2018
Kawhi Leonard isn't concerned about missing out on the supermax, sources tell ESPN. There's a feeling of betrayal that at this juncture, appears irreparable.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 15, 2018
Kawhi only played nine games last season for San Antonio, engaging in a battle of doctors and opinions on the status of his health. Leonard consulted for a second opinion regarding his injury after not trusting San Antonio doctors, which caused a riff between the two sides and a very public wars of words from people in the franchise.
Coach Pop was heard often referring to Leonard “and his team” when asked about the extent of his injury and if there were any updates.
The news also means that the possibility of him joining the Los Angeles Lakers has increased.
2018 Kawhi Appreciation Video
Over the course of the past few days, an idea of a LeBron James, Paul George and Leonard super team was floated around media circles and it feels like one piece in that miraculous puzzle for L.A. has come to fruition.
Either way, when healthy, Kawhi is one of the best two-way players in the entire NBA and could help the Lakers reach the playoffs for the first time in a handful of years by himself and the young squad. Let alone with a cast of others.
NBA Free Agency 2018 has officially commenced.