Report: Spurs Ready to "Move On" From Kawhi Leonard

A week after Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said the franchise would "explore all of our options" to keep Kawhi Leonard with the team, the Spurs are reportedly in the early stages of trading the powerhouse.

According to reports from The New York Times and ESPN, the Spurs franchise is ready for the Kawhi drama to be over and are in the midst of trade discussions with multiple teams, including the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, where Leonard reportedly wants to land.

This doesn't guarantee Kawhi Leonard is going to the Lakers this week -- since San Antonio could always trade him elsewhere and/or drag things out -- but league sources say of the Spurs: "They're ready" to move on from Kawhi

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2018

The Spurs are fully engaged in trade talks with several teams on Kawhi Leonard, including the Lakers and Celtics, league sources tell ESPN. Boston has long had the assets that the Spurs most covet in a potential Leonard trade.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2018

Kuzma, Ingram, Hart and two-first round picks for Kawhi … WHO SAYS NO?

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2018

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski writes that the Celtics "have assets" that the Spurs have had their eye on for some time. Trading Leonard to Boston would mean moving him out of the Western Conference, which would be ideal for the Spurs. However, Leonard will only reportedly sign a long-term deal with a Los Angeles team, either the Lakers or Clippers.

Can confirm @ramonashelburne's report that the Lakers and Spurs re-engaged today about Kawhi Leonard. Was told by a source it was a "productive" call.

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) June 28, 2018

Story includes Lakers working to acquire a future first-round pick with a willingness to accept salary dumps for 2018-19 season. Lakers could flip a pick into a potential Leonard trade, and still keep one max salary slot open for free agency. https://t.co/upENsFYChC

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 27, 2018

Boston's extremely cautious on Leonard front. There's so much uncertainty w/ Leonard's future -- health, free agent desires, etc. Will Leonard be same player? That's hard to tell. Celtics don't have to make a risky trade and have no intention to do so. It's an interesting dance. https://t.co/gVECzgxrYM

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2018

Leonard is still under contract for another season, but the Spurs, if indeed moving forward with the trade, would benefit most if Leonard was traded sooner rather than later. The team technically has until the trade cutoff date in February.

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