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The San Antonio Spurs received game-changing news on Thursday.
According to Stein Line’s Jake Fischer, San Antonio is a potential suitor for a seven-time All-Star forward who’s undoubtedly a Spurs legend despite his strained relationship.
“Sources close to the situation tell The Stein Line that, when it comes to potential trade talks, there are only two other teams that (Kawhi) Leonard would consider signing an extension with: The two teams he played for before becoming a Clipper,” Fischer reported. “Toronto (Raptors) and San Antonio.”
“It is not yet clear how the Spurs would receive the idea of a reunion with Leonard given the manner in which they are flourishing in the Victor Wembanyama Era … on top of the sides infamously messy parting in the summer of 2018.”
Sports Illustrated’s Dan Lyons wasted little time crafting a trade proposal that would send Leonard back to San Antonio. Lyons noted that the Spurs could cut ties with their overvalued veteran point guard to reunite with Leonard.
“(Dylan) Harper’s breakout coincided with (and was aided by) (De’Aaron) Fox’s rough injury-addled stretch of play in the Western Conference and NBA Finals, and as a result, Fox’s future with San Antonio has been put under a microscope, though there isn’t much noise from the team itself about moving the vet,” Lyons wrote.
“A deal for an expensive player like Leonard ($50.3 million in 2026–27) would provide an opportunity for the Spurs to get off of Fox’s potentially onerous deal, which is estimated at $221.7 million over four years (it was first reported as a $229 million deal), and $49.5 million in 2026–27.”
While parting ways with Fox and his ultra-large contract after failing to deliver in a pivotal NBA Finals series vs. the New York Knicks would be a dream come true, it’s worth mentioning that Lyons pointed out that San Antonio would likely have to include Harper or Stephon Castle in the deal to help it come to life.
“However, the deal would almost certainly have to include a young Spurs star and/or a package of draft picks, and with Victor Wembanyama firmly off the table for any conceivable trade, the most likely options come down to Harper or Castle,” Lyons added.
Essentially, Fox can’t be the only high-profile asset featured in a blockbuster deal for a franchise-elevating deal for one of the best players to ever put on a Spurs uniform.
Considering that acquiring Leonard from the Clippers would be a classic offseason win-now mode, it would make sense for San Antonio to be forced to move on from several young contributors who could aid Los Angeles during what could be a lengthy rebuild.
At the end of the day, the Spurs must decide if they covet Leonard enough to potentially lose a future All-Star or two after less than three seasons.
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