With all the issues surrounding the San Antonio Spurs and Kawhi Leonard, many are expecting that the all-around player will be placed on the trading block in the summer. Earlier, Marc Stein of the New York Times said rumors are swirling that the Spurs could part ways with Leonard in the offseason, due to different issues that have been hounding both camps. Leonard played just nine games this season before he was sidelined indefinitely by the Spurs due to a nagging quad injury. Recently, when coach Gregg Popovich was asked about Leonard’s status, the veteran coach said he’ll be surprised if his star player returns this season.

Recently, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Leonard has been medically cleared to play. However, Leonard elected not to return to the active roster as he’s still having discomfort due to the injury that has hounded him since the preseason. The situation could create more rift between the two camps, which were earlier reported to be disconnected due to the Leonard injury saga.

Leonard might ask for trade

The dispute could force Leonard to ask for a trade from the Spurs, who could give in to the demand as they could lose the star player for nothing if he opts out after next season. While he has two years remaining on the five-year, $94.3 million deal with the Spurs, Leonard could leave the team after the 2018-19 season via his opt-out clause.

According to Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post, many teams would be willing to trade for Leonard despite his injury. Before he was shut down indefinitely, Leonard was averaging 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds in 23.3 minutes of action.

Celtics could be interested in Leonard

While they are focused mainly on acquiring New Orleans Pelicans star big man Anthony Davis, the Boston Celtics could also swing a trade for Leonard, according to Matt Burke of Metro US.

Burke said that Leonard joining the Celtics is possible since recent moves saw Kyrie Irving joining Boston, Kevin Durant signing with the Golden State Warriors, and Chris Paul getting traded to the Houston Rockets.

While it will be financially impossible for the Celtics to trade for Davis without having to part ways with Al Horford, Burke said Boston will have an easier time in acquiring Leonard.

However, the Celtics have to part ways with either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown to get the interest of the Spurs. Also, the Celtics need to dispatch the contracts of both Tatum and Brown to make the deal work financially.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED