The Spurs’ last season was virtually a failure, compared to their normally dominant standards. Their relationship with LaMarcus Aldridge was positively revived after he had a thorough discussion with Gregg Popovich, yet theirs with Kawhi Leonard spiraled downwards. Aldridge’s role as an offensive focal point resurfaced, but with Kawhi playing just eight games throughout the whole season, making the playoffs was a struggle for San Antonio (their first-round exit wasn’t too pretty, either).
On the bright side, Aldridge is locked in through the 2020-2021 season after he signed an extension last year. Kawhi Leonard, though, is entering (potentially) the last season of his contract. In the 2018-2019 season, he’ll be paid $20.1 million with a player option available come summertime.
His injured quad greatly limited him this past season, despite being cleared by the team doctors to play. Kawhi thought otherwise, eventually hiring his own team of independent doctors in New York that seemed to agree with him. He didn’t play a single playoff game, and seemed to struggle just showing up to them. Heck, after the Spurs series loss to the Warriors, Kawhi was spotted at a Los Angeles Dodgers game.
Their relationship was seemingly stretched out beyond repair, despite Danny Green’s claims that the star wants to stay in Texas. Neither Leonard himself or his party have offered up any telling information or hints regarding his desire, and all the media currently knows is that he’s neglected to be actively communicating with the franchise.
San Antonio has the option to offer him his own extension this summer, which would be a supermax deal worth $219 million over 5 more inevitably dreadful seasons. At this point, they need to offer him up. Their front office has to look around and see what they can get. Remember, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-NBA First Team member is just 26 years old.
The Spurs will need to find a team that can offer an impressive package that’s equatable with Kawhi’s value and at the same time is willing to bet he’ll re-sign with them come free agency. Yet at this point, any trade is better than just losing a great player with no consolation prize. Just remember what Kevin Durant did. It’s fair to say that if Sam Presti knew KD was going to depart from Oklahoma City, he’d have gotten rid of him in a heartbeat. With that being said, there’s one team that fits the requirements – the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles has zero money issues. They’ve got two max contracts available, and using Kawhi for one of them would be brilliant. The Lakers’ young squad would mold perfectly with the two-time All-Star, and they’d all be in their primes at a relatively similar time. Plus, who wouldn’t want to live and be “the guy” in LA?
Also factor in how much the Spurs could get in return, though. With their veterans nearing retirement, they need a breath of fresh air, a jolt of youth on the court. It’s likely that LA would have to offer up a package that includes Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, a draft pick, and almost certainly another player such as Ivaca Zubac or Tyler Ennis. Ingram’s bright future and the amazing rookie campaign of Kyle Kuzma make a deal like that hard to pass up for San Antonio, and the other pieces make it irresistible.
Kawhi Leonard skyrocketed to superstar status in 2016 and 2017, and it wouldn’t be crazy to bet that in 10 years he’ll be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately for the Spurs, he most likely won’t be there. Things just didn’t work out between the two parties, or at least that’s how it seems. Maybe there will be a huge surprise re-signing in San Antonio, but at this point it seems unlikely, so it’d be in General Manager R.C. Buford’s best interest to get in touch with the Lakers.
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