For Kawhi Leonard’s camp, trade discussions non-existent, but league chatter continues

Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard moves the ball up court against the Denver Nuggets in January, one of the few games in which he appeared this year. A reader says it would be wise to dismiss the rumors about where the star forward will end up. less Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard moves the ball up court against the Denver Nuggets in January, one of the few games in which he appeared this year. A reader says it would be wise to dismiss the rumors about where ... more Photo: Eric Gay /Associated Press Photo: Eric Gay /Associated Press Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close For Kawhi Leonard’s camp, trade discussions non-existent, but league chatter continues 1 / 24 Back to Gallery

It was a little more than 24 hours before Gregg Popovich would make it official that Kawhi Leonard would miss more time after only playing nine games in the regular season.

While staying at the team hotel in Brooklyn, Leonard was convinced something didn't feel right with his body and informed those close to him that he couldn't play. As it would turn out, his right quadriceps tendinopathy injury suffered another setback.

Also, Leonard wasn't comfortable playing every other game or having to abide by a minutes restriction set in place by the Spurs.

It was just more frustration added to an already tense season involving Leonard and the Spurs which now heads into an offseason filled with questions about the superstar's relationship and status with the team.

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Will the Spurs repair any behind the scenes issue with Leonard? If so, will the Spurs offer a five-year, $219 million extension? And if not, will the Spurs start to field calls about trade packages?

Following a story by ESPN detailing the Spurs' relationship with Leonard, the possibility of a trade will only intensify around the NBA.

The question is where would Leonard go?

Though the ESPN story suggests Leonard's uncle, Dennis Robertson, is pushing for a trade to a big market, those close to Leonard told the Express-News no trade conversations with the Spurs or internally have taken place.

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Leonard's camp has not decided what route to take. They are waiting for the Spurs to decide they will offer Leonard the supermax.

If that occurs, Leonard's camp will then decide if they will accept the offer after repairing any damage with the team, which is partly due to what they believe was a misdiagnosis of Leonard's right quad leading to the current injury.

Also, within Leonard's camp, there has been a feeling of dissipating support from the Spurs tied to leaks about his whereabouts while rehabbing, leaks about the Spurs' doctors clearing Leonard to play, and describing Leonard's medical team as "his group" – a term frequently used by Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

But if Leonard has played his last game with the Spurs, deciding which trade route to go will be a challenge for the Spurs.

In some NBA circles, the belief is some offers will include one of two options for Leonard.

One option is "the Paul George package," which former Spur assistant GM and current Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti offered to the Indiana Pacers last offseason in exchange for George.

In this option, the Pacers received Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, two young players with upside. The Thunder couldn't offer too much, as George, like Leonard after next season if he doesn't opt into the final year of his deal which will pay roughly $21 million, will become a free agent.

The Thunder took the risk knowing George could walk, which is the same risk any team trading for Leonard will take if he doesn't re-sign.

If Leonard is dealt, he then becomes eligible for a four-year deal worth roughly $160 million with his new team. The benefit for Leonard: He could decide to opt-out after two or three years of that deal and recuperate money surrendered by not signing an extension with the Spurs.

Enter the Boston Celtics.

There is a notion around the NBA the Celtics could offer forward Jayson Tatum and/or Jaylen Brown in a package for Leonard, though as the team advances in the playoffs, that scenario seems unlikely.

Another option would be the "Chris Paul package."

Flashback to 2011: The then league-owned New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans) traded Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Eric Gordon, forward Al-Farouq Aminu, center Chris Kaman, and a 2012 first-round pick (drafted Austin Rivers with the pick). The Hornets also received two future second-round picks in the deal.

Enter the Philadelphia 76ers.

Over the last few weeks, league sources told the Express-News the Sixers could make a push for Leonard this offseason and include their highly-coveted 2018 first-round pick.

Add forward Dario Saric, forward Robert Covington, and last year's top overall pick Markelle Fultz, who is close with Dejounte Murray, to the mix, and the Sixers have an attractive package to offer the Spurs that also removes Leonard from the Western Conference.

Sixers coach Brett Brown could also have an impact. Sources tell the Express-News Leonard would have no problem being coached by Brown, the former Spurs assistant coach.

Also, the Sixers could take Pau Gasol off the Spurs' books, and have enough money under the salary cap to absorb the deal.

The Clippers could offer their two first-round picks and center DeAndre Jordan (if he opts into the final year of his deal).

The Lakers could make a play, too.

If there is one certainty entering this offseason, it's the Spurs will have plenty of suitors, league execs who would love to acquire one of the best players in the NBA.

It's up to the Spurs and Leonard if they will allow a potential divorce to occur.

Cody McCrary is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | cmccrary@express-news.net | @cody_mccrary