The NBA rumors involving LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are heating up, and they will only get hotter as the summer approaches. With James hitting the open market in 2018 and Kawhi Leonard not happy in San Antonio, are these two destined to be wearing the same uniform next season?

First things first

While everyone is trying to figure out where LeBron James will play next fall, James, along with all the fans in Cleveland, are concentrating on trying to win another NBA championship. Leonard, on the other hand, is still nursing an injury that has sidelined him for most of this season.

How far the Spurs and Cavs go this year in the postseason is yet to be seen, but already fans are buzzing at the prospect of these two superstars teaming up next season.

Philly front-runners to land James, Leonard?

Right now there are so many rumors surrounding James and Leonard it can make one's head spin. From James heading to the Lakers, Rockets, or Warriors, to the two of them teaming up in Cleveland, the rumor mill just keeps moving.

How about James and Leonard both suiting up for the 76ers next season? According to a NESN report, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst indicates that LeBron James’ future could hinge on what happens to Leonard this offseason. Unlike James, Leonard is not a free agent. In fact, he has two years left on his current deal with San Antonio.

However, with Leonard's apparent falling out and “disconnect” with head coach Gregg Popovich, all signs are pointing toward Leonard being shipped away this summer.

Windhorst said on today’s episode of “Sports Nation” that teams should already be working on trying to get a package trade deal together to obtain Leonard -- and sign LeBron as well.

He specifically mentioned two teams -- the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers.

“If the Cavs get knocked out before the Finals and LeBron has six weeks to think (about) it and six weeks to get in touch with Kawhi then things could get a little crazy,” Windhorst said. “But just think about Philadelphia, for example, I can construct you a way that Philadelphia could trade for Kawhi Leonard and sign LeBron James.

That possibility exists."

If an NBA expert can figure it out, then it shouldn't be too hard for the 76ers' front office to as well, right?

Now, who exactly would be involved in a deal like this is anyone's guess, but if the Spurs are going to play nice and approve a deal that would team up Leonard and James, you know they are going to want a lot in return.

One thing is for sure. If James and Leonard did end up on the same squad, whether it was the Lakers, 76ers, or possibly Cleveland, that team would become an immediate favorite to win the NBA Finals next spring.
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