There have been plenty of huge NBA headlines during the first few days of July, with LeBron James agreeing to become a Laker, Paul George deciding not to become a Laker, and DeMarcus Cousins lining up a deal with the defending-champion Warriors, among others.
However, for the most part, all has been quiet on the Kawhi Leonard front.
After Leonard’s camp made a public trade request earlier in mid-June, the Spurs forward seemed likely to dominate the offseason rumor mill, but for now, the primary suitors for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year may be playing it safe.
As Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports tweets, the Celtics and Sixers appear to be “playing the long game” on the Leonard front, not wanting to do anything rash with their rosters in great shape and LeBron finally out of their conference.
As for James’ new team in Los Angeles, the Lakers‘ other deals this offseason have suggested the club is retaining flexibility for the 2019 offseason, leaving the door open for Leonard to sign as a free agent and for the Lakers to keep all their young players and picks.
While the Lakers – wary of being too patient after what happened with George – may increase their efforts to land Leonard in a trade at some point, they “aren’t keen” on giving up Brandon Ingram, tweets Schultz. Meanwhile, the Celtics won’t give up Jayson Tatum and aren’t enthusiastic about moving Jaylen Brown, and the Sixers prefer to keep Markelle Fultz, Schultz adds.
While Schultz believes Leonard – who is unhappy in San Antonio and reportedly wants to play in Los Angeles – will be dealt eventually, he’s not sure where the star forward will end up. So we’re opening up that question to you.
What team to do you expect Leonard to be with to start the 2018/19 season? Will he get his wish to join the Lakers? Can the Spurs convince him to stick around a little longer? Will a budding Eastern powerhouse like the Celtics or Sixers go all-in for him? Could L.A.’s other team, the Clippers make a surprise play to land him? Or will a wild-card suitor enter the fray and steal him away?
Vote below in our poll and jump into the comment section to share your thoughts!
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The Poll actually works!
Why aren’t the Warriors a choice?
They are! Another ream.
Why is any team going to give long term assets this year against the warriors?
I don’t see any team doing much with Leonard just to get hammered by the warriors
Nice to see the poll working. Finally!
I think he ends up on the Lakers even if it’s at the trade deadline.
Lakers in a few days.
Who cares? We all know it doesn’t matter bc the warriors r gonna win.
I’m telling you guys he is going to Charlotte.
Monk, Batum, MKG, 2 1st rd picks for Kawhi and Mills
For a 1yr player…… Your insane, no way Charlotte is that stupid.
Does it even matter? As long as the warriors can continue to keep there core together and lure Allstars for barely any money then nobody is beating them.
Spurs ain’t just gonna give him up. I do see him going to the lakers, but not this season. I think the lakers are just gonna wait it out till next season. Kawhi will probably sit out till the trade deadline where he gets traded to maybe the 76ers. And unless they win a championship I see him leaving for LA. But the lakers are gonna risk it and just wait it out, because it’s not worth the boatload the spurs are asking for, and rightfully so. Lakers fans I know you want him now, but be realistic, if y’all had a prime Kobe, and he wants to leave, are you only asking for Brandon Ingram and one first round pick. I didn’t think so. Y’all will just have to wait a season and hope he doesn’t do a Paul George and stay with the team he’s eventually traded to.
True, but would you rather have a 1st round pick and Ingram or a disgruntled player, who might not even play and get nothing after the season for him. With or without a trade to the Lakers, the Spurs aren’t going to do anything this season. By not trading him now you are basically setting your team back a year.
If Leonard sits out, he won’t be able to sign with anyone based on the collective bargaining agreement. His rights will still be held by San Antonio, so he either has to suck it up and actually play a couple of games or hope someone stands up and gives the Spurs an offer they’re willing to accept.
I don’t see anybody giving 2 players and 3 first round picks for a player that sat out a year, and is a one year rental.. Nobody made an offer for Demarcus Cousins, same situation. I don’t think Pop will give him up unless he gets what he wants. The Spurs say they want 2 players and 3 first rounders. They don’t like the Lakers offer. Said they’ll keep Leonard unless Philly gives them what they want. Woj says Boston has the assets.
“The Lakers “aren’t keen” on giving up Brandon Ingram, tweets Schultz. Meanwhile, the Celtics won’t give up Jayson Tatum and aren’t enthusiastic about moving Jaylen Brown, and the Sixers prefer to keep Markelle Fultz, Schultz adds.” Ingram, Tatum, Brown, Fultz. It’s like that old kid’s song “Which one of these things are not like the other thing”.
Quit is a 4 letter word and he is branded for life! I live in SD and followed him @ SDSU. Great kid, but he quit on his teammates.
Looks like finally teams are getting smarter & instead of bidding against themselves will wait until San Antonio runs out of time & have to move him for next to nothing, so is a win win for all.
Provided Leonard actually plays, which he said he won’t for the Spurs. If he sits out, he cannot become a free agent.
Yes good post cesc. That’s exactly what’s going on right now.