With the finals MVP and defensive player of the year requesting a trade, the news and speculation of Kawhi Leonard’s impending future looms a huge topic before free agency.
When news spread about all star Kawhi Leonard requesting to be traded, speculation of many teams came into fruition. With breaking news such as this, this could shake up the free agency plans of almost every team. The longer this holds off, the better the potential return. Here are some projected trades for the all star.
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Kawhi Leonard, Patty Mills
San Antonio Spurs receive: Lonzo Ball, Luol Deng, 2019 first round pick, 2020 first round pick.
This trade ( if the spurs will trade in conference) makes a lot of sense. The Spurs duo at guard ( Parker, Ginobili.) have been on the decline for the last few years. The Lakers get their superstar to entice Lebron James, and coach Pop gets the young talent to revitalize his team for the future.
New York Knicks receive: Kawhi Leonard, Davis Bertans
San Antonio Spurs receive: Emmanuel Mudiay, Enes Kanter, 2018 first round pick.
The spurs get an athletic point guard who can score well on the one-on-one iso plays, and move the ball effectively as a floor general. They also receive a high pick in this year’s draft ( maybe a Trae Young selection?) The Knicks do this because they finally give Kristaps another excellent player to pare up with. It might be the jolt the Knicks have been looking for. This is a great step in their rebuild.
San Antonio Spurs receive: Jaylen Brown, Marcus Morris, Terry Rozier 2019 first round pick.
Boston Celtics receive: Kawhi Leonard, 2018 first round pick
The Celtics get the ultimate team in the east with Kyrie, Gordon, Al, and Leonard. While giving up a lot of great young talent, they get another draft pick to stockpile as trade bait for anyone else Danny Ainge wants. The spurs receive a great dynamic trio, along with a draft pick in 2019. Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier proved they can start and handle any challenge that comes their way. In addition, the spurs keep Kawhi out of direct competitions hands.
Philadelphia 76ers receive: Kawhi Leonard, Dejounte Murray, 2018 first round pick.
San Antonio Spurs receive: Dario Saric, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, 2018 first round pick, 2021 first round pick.
If the 76ers needed any better case to covey Lebron it’s this. Kawhi Leonard. They get one of the great defenders in the game to join Joel Embiid. The Spurs get two athletic wing players who are great catch and shoot players. Coach pop would love to coach these athletic scorers who can spread the court effectively with more development.
Whoever lands this superstar is gonna have to pay a small fortune for one year of his services. With no extension hopes alive, who will win the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes?