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NBA Trade Deadline: Every Team’s Most Untouchable Asset

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 30, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) during an NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) during an NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

San Antonio Spurs: Kawhi Leonard

No matter who or what is offered, it’s hard to imagine R.C. Buford and the San Antonio Spurs entertaining any calls for Kawhi Leonard. Unrealistic as they may be, it’s almost inevitable that teams will inquire about what it would cost to acquire one of the NBA’s rising stars.

Leonard, who still hasn’t turned 25 years old, recently added an All-Star Game appearance to a resume that already included Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. That puts him in rare company:

It goes without saying that any player who can be associated with Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon is on a legendary path. Leonard may or may not achieve his full potential, but he’s well on his way to doing so.

Thus far in 2015-16, Leonard is No. 2 in the NBA in Win Shares per 48 minutes, No. 4 in Win Shares, and No. 5 in Player Efficiency Rating.

Long known as an elite defensive player with more of a complementary offensive game, he’s emerged as the focal point of San Antonio’s attack. He’s averaging 20.2 points, and anchors the Spurs’ offense by hitting the mid-post and having the option to either score or set his teammates in motion with his court vision.

One can’t truly appreciate Leonard’s importance to the Spurs, or his individual greatness, until they watch him play. He’s a special one.

Next: Toronto Raptors