A Kawhi Leonard, 4-team blockbuster trade involving the Miami Heat
By Simon Smith
San Antonio Spurs
The model franchise of the league for the past two decades, the Spurs find themselves in the unfamiliar position of having their franchise player wanting out.
That being the case, Spurs’ general manager R.C. Buford and head coach Gregg Popovich will need to get their thinking caps on if they do decide to grant Leonard his wish of finding a new home next season.
Although Leonard has stated that this preferred destination is Los Angeles, don’t expect the Spurs to pander to his wishes considering the turmoil Leonard put the franchise through this season.
As reputed NBA journalist Chris Sheridan tweeted out recently:
From the "while you were sleeping" file, I have a new column out on @kawhileonard. Go West young man? Not happening. Zero chance. Zilch. #Spurs are sending him East: https://t.co/6OX85eL1K3
— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) June 17, 2018
Granted, while precluding Leonard from being dealt to a Western Conference team may seem like they’re limiting their options, the proposed deal sets out how the Spurs can get this done while also receiving significant compensation in return.
Not only does Leonard head East, the Spurs put themselves in a position to immediately compete with a new-looking, revamped roster.