Kawhi Leonard will be mentioned in numerous NBA trade rumors until the deadline passes because of his alleged rift with the San Antonio Spurs. And if the Spurs eventually decide to move their superstar, should the Miami Heat pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal with San Antonio?
Leonard and the Spurs are reportedly at odds because of disagreement on Kawhi’s right quad injury. And according to Jalen Rose of ESPN, the 26-year-old wants out of San Antonio.
Should Miami give up Hassan Whiteside for Kawhi Leonard?
In the event the Spurs opt to trade Leonard before the deadline, fans should not expect them to give up their superstar for peanuts.
The seven-year veteran is considered the best two-way player in the league, and the Spurs will make sure they will get valuable assets in return.
Heat starting center Hassan Whiteside will likely be the top target for the Spurs in trade talks. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has had a lot of success handling big men, helping Tim Duncan and David Robinson have Hall of Fame careers, and he can do the same with Whiteside.
However, giving up Whiteside for Leonard does not make sense for the Heat unless the superstar center himself forces his way out of Miami. If the Heat wants to become a serious contender with Leonard on deck, they should do anything possible to keep Whiteside on the roster.
According to the Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Heat should just create a trade package centered on Goran Dragic in any possible trade talks with San Antonio.
The veteran point guard is having another solid season, averaging 17.0 points on top of 4.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game.
However, a straight-up trade involving Dragic and Leonard will not be enough. While Dragic will give the Spurs a proven starting point guard, they are expected to ask for more assets like a young player or future draft picks in the deal.
In fact, there is no urgent need for a new point guard, as Popovich looks set on developing Dejounte Murray.
Are the Spurs really considering trading Leonard?
There are contrasting reports about Leonard’s status in San Antonio. But as expected, the Spurs denied the reported strained relationship with their franchise player.
Popovich recently blasted ESPN for fueling the Kawhi Leonard trade rumors.
The veteran bench tactician insisted that the two-time All-Star wants to stay in San Antonio.
“Nobody wants to come back more than Kawhi Leonard,” Popovich told News 4, San Antonio. “For somebody to come up with something about him and his teammates, it’s just silly.”
Leonard has only played in nine games this season due to his right quad injury. The former San Diego State standout averaged 16.2 points on top of 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in those games.
