Boston Celtics in position to make play for Kawhi Leonard
By Kane Pitman
Is trader Danny willing to part ways with key pieces?
We are less than 12 months removed from Celtics general manger Danny Ainge securing the services of perennial All-Stars in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. As well all know, the Celtics were just one game away from reaching the NBA Finals without either of their prized acquisitions on the court.
Given that incredible run, is Ainge willing to move on from his current core in order to bring Kawhi to Boston?
According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Boston attempted to reach out to San Antonio in an attempt to trade for Leonard at the February trade deadline.
"“The Boston Celtics made a trade offer to San Antonio before the February deadline, but the Spurs turned it down — and never made a counter proposal, league sources said. San Antonio wasn’t willing to discuss deals for Leonard in February. So far this spring, the Spurs remain resistant to trades.”"
There wasn’t any further indication given as to who exactly was involved in the original Celtics offer, but just this morning, Wojnarowski hinted at Boston getting involved in trade discussions again as Leonard becomes available.
If Kawhi Leonard does become available in trade talks, the Boston Celtics will be interested in probing the Spurs about a deal, league sources tell ESPN. Boston inquired about a trade prior to the February deadline, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2018
According to Spotrac, Leonard has one year and $20.1 million left on his deal before holding a $21.3 million dollar player option for 2019-20. With that in mind, it’s important to note that Leonard could conceivably walk out the door after one season if the situation in Boston doesn’t suit him.
By leaving San Antonio, Leonard is set to leave approximately $30 million on the table, forgoing the opportunity to sign a super max contract with the Spurs.
If Kawhi is traded he would no longer be eligible for a super max deal. That means his new 2019 max would be $31M lower with a team he's traded to than it would be if he signed the super max with San Antonio this offseason. pic.twitter.com/wioqvdnfSw
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 15, 2018
By trading for Leonard, you are banking on being able to re-sign him to a max deal next summer. The Celtics have by far the greatest array of assets on the table to appease the Spurs’ front office.
If it’s All-Star talent you want, they have Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving. If you are after a young stud, they have two of them in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. If it’s draft stock you are chasing, well, what do you know? Ainge has an absurd seven first round picks stashed in his drawer over the next four seasons.
If Ainge wants to cut a deal, he can make it happen. The question is whether he’s willing to break up the band to do so.