San Antonio Spurs: 3 reasons Kawhi Leonard should sign the supermax

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 5: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw against the LA Clippers on November 5, 2016 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4 of 4

Photo by Chris Covatta/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Repairing the relationship

This feud has played out like a Netflix drama. First there was the injury. Then there were the Tony Parker comments. Next, Leonard allegedly was hidden from the Spurs staff. If there is one person who can fix this fractured relationship, however, it is Gregg Popovich.

As was alluded to earlier, Popovich famously talked LaMarcus Aldridge out of trade demands. Having met with Popovich last June, perhaps Leonard and his coach simply need more time together. What could do the trick? Team USA meets for a mini camp July 25-27, and guess who will be there?

When not leading the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich moonlights as the head coach for Team USA. Incidentally, his star forward Kawhi Leonard is on the roster. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports addressed the situation nicely:

"“All eyes in Las Vegas will be on the dynamic between Popovich and Kawhi Leonard, who is expected to be at the workout. Most likely the dealings between them will be civil if a little cold, but it’s worth watching.”"

Is this an opportunity for these two to hash out their differences? This setting may remind Leonard how special it is to play for Popovich, who is arguably the greatest coach of all time.

Next: 2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

Popovich has the prowess to game plan for this improved Warriors roster. Many still remember how San Antonio was beating up on the Warriors during Game 1 of the 2017 Western Conference Finals, until Leonard was injured. With a possible dispersal of NBA talent on the horizon, sticking with Popovich may be the best way for Leonard to navigate his way to another title.

Home/San Antonio Spurs