Despite rumors of Kawhi Leonard seeking a trade in the near future, the San Antonio Spurs still have a chance to hash things out with the estranged star.
Friday's report of his unhappiness with the team and the feeling of “betrayal” are likely a campaign sparked by his camp, who has been the major reason why there is a rift with the organization.
Peter Vecsey of Patreon gave some insight into this ongoing drama.
“The media made it seem as if the Spurs and Kawhi’s people weren’t communicating. Like they didn’t know where he was and how things were going,” my source said. “They were in constant touch. I think Pop made Mitch wear a helmet cam. “The Spurs had their opinion regarding what should be done. Kawhi’s people disagreed. I don’t see any reason why both sides can’t move forward together.”
Rest assured that the epicenter of this Texas-sized disaster lies in still to this day, disagreeing on the diagnosis of his quad injury and Leonard's camp's unforeseen decision to seek out a second opinion on their own accord.
“In a cell conversation yesterday with Kawhi’s fringe friend (see above car quote), my first words were ones I’ve often promoted: “You know, I’m only as good as my source. What can you tell me?” Enough so that I’m thoroughly disinclined to believe Kawhi and Pop can’t patch things up, predominantly because their relationship isn’t in need of a large patch. From what I’m told, they’ve never exchanged harsh words or gone off on each other. A single problem existed last season that would not go away: Kawhi’s caregivers and doctors felt his repaired quad wasn’t entirely healthy when he returned 28 games into the season. After nine, some very effective, minute-monitored games, they insisted he return to rehab.”
This explains why the Spurs were reluctant to list him in the injury report, given the team's doctors had cleared Leonard, instead, listing “injury management” as the reason of his absence following his nine-game stint.
“Combined with the incontrovertible fact that Kawhi’s placid personality is a perfect fit in San Antonio and torturously unfit to cope with the media madness of Los Angeles and New York — even Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago and Miami — I’m convinced a reconciliation is imminent. The fact Kawhi is building a home in San Antonio for himself, and one, I’m told, for his mother, somewhat bolsters that conclusion … though athletes’ custom-made residences certainly don’t guarantee an iota of permanency.”
Perhaps the biggest reason why the Spurs should have a glimmer of hope about this situation is the fact that Leonard and coach Gregg Popovich are yet to speak in person, which begs to think the long-tenured coach can pull off another LaMarcus Aldridge-sized miracle and get the 26-year old at ease.
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