Kawhi Leonard wants to leave the San Antonio Spurs, reports said Friday afternoon.
The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, who can opt out of his contract after next season, is looking for a trade, The San Antonio Express-News first reported. "Leonard has grown uncomfortable with the Spurs and is ready to move," Yahoo Sports reported, with ESPN reporting that the Lakers are his preferred destination.
This is a lot to take in for everybody involved. The Spurs may have just seen their best shot at title contention ask to be traded away. Leonard himself is asking to give up a potential huge payday -- a super max contract -- that he can only get with the Spurs. The Lakers, badly wanting this to be the offseason where they get back on track, may have just had a star fall into their laps.
Only San Antonio can offer Leonard a deal worth $219 million over five years. If Leonard doesn't accept this, he could lose as much as $31 million on his next contract. According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, Leonard is willing to take that loss, apparently, due to "a feeling of betrayal."
The Spurs still have the super max in their pocket in case Leonard has a change of heart and he's going to have a lot of teams asking about him. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Leonard may actually have interest, after all, in that super max and the Spurs are going to be patient with this. Meanwhile, he also reports both the Lakers and Clippers are already showing interest and would prepare quickly for a potential deal.
If Leonard's request holds true and the Spurs end up trading him, then this could be a blockbuster that shakes the entire NBA. It just depends on where he goes and what is offered.
