Sources: Kawhi Leonard asks Spurs to trade him

The Spurs' relationship with Kawhi Leonard is on the verge of ending.

League sources told the Express-News that Leonard wants to be traded after months of speculation involving the injury to his right quadriceps, and a dissolved partnership with the team's front office.

Leonard, 26, was scheduled to speak with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich in the coming days to clear the air and repair his relationship with the franchise. Instead he told team officials he wanted to be traded.

SPURS INSIDER: Express-news.com beat writer Jeff McDonald breaks down what could come from a Kawhi-Spurs split

Since the Spurs are the only team that could offer Leonard a 5-year, $219 million extension, many in NBA circles had expected Leonard and the team would eventually work out any differences.

And here we go... sources tell @ExpressNews that Kawhi Leonard wants to be traded from #Spurs ... more to come... — Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) June 15, 2018

The Express-News reached out to the Spurs but have not received an official comment from the team, yet. Multiple reports said the Spurs were unaware of the trade request when the news broke on social media.

Now that Leonard's trade demands are known, the big question is whether the Spurs will attempt to make a trade before next week's NBA Draft, or make another effort to save their relationship with their star player.

National reports have already surfaced suggesting Leonard preferred destination is the Los Angeles Lakers, but league sources have told the Express-News the Philadelphia 76ers could be in play to acquire Leonard, too.

SPURS INSIDERS: ExpressNews.com beat writer Jeff McDonald looks at what the Spurs could get for Kawhi

After missing the first 27 games of the season, Leonard returned from his right quad injury on Dec. 12 against the Dallas Mavericks. He played in nine games this season averaging 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds.

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This is a developing story.

Jabari Young is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | jyoung@express-news.net | @JabariJYoung