Rumors are rife that the relationship between Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs is on shaky ground and a breakup could happen in the offseason. Leonard suited up for just nine games this season due to a nagging quad issue that has hounded him since the preseason. After playing nine games, the Spurs decided to sideline Leonard indefinitely. During rehab, Leonard was reportedly distant and disconnected from the Spurs’ front office. While both camps denied the existence of any rift, reports have it that there’s a possibility that Leonard might be traded in the offseason.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that several general managers have expressed interest in calling the Spurs in the offseason to inquire about the possibility of a trade involving Leonard. Zach Lowe of ESPN added that teams are eyeing a trade for Leonard before the NBA Draft in June.
Wade shares thoughts about Kawhi
While the Spurs are silent on the issue about trading Leonard, Miami Heat veteran Dwyane Wade shared his thoughts about the saga involving San Antonio’s rising star. In a talk with Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports, Wade expressed belief that Leonard would end up with the Boston Celtics. In an appearance on The Dan Patrick, Schultz discussed Wade’s statement, saying the veteran believes that there’s no way that the Spurs and Leonard will reconcile.
Wade said Leonard’s continued silence about the issue will further fuel rumors about the rift with the Spurs. According to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, the Celtics have the pieces to trade for Leonard, including promising rookie Jayson Tatum. After 13 years with the Heat, Wade left the team and signed with the Chicago Bulls after he felt slighted by the front office during contract negotiations.
After one season with the Bulls and several games with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wade returned to Miami after mending fences with the Heat.
Spurs to face Warriors
Even without Leonard for most of the season, the Spurs made it to the playoffs for a record 21st time. As the seventh seed, the Spurs will face the defending champions Golden State Warriors in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals.
The Warriors swept the Spurs after Leonard went down with the injury in Game 1 of that series after he awkwardly landed on Zaza Pachulia’s foot. This season, the Warriors defeated the Spurs, 3-1, in their 2017-18 season series. The Spurs lone win came with the Warriors playing without Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green. The Spurs will play without Leonard while the Warriors could be without Curry in the first round of the playoffs.
