Though Kawhi Leonard prefers going to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers — being well-equipped with skilled players which they could arrange for a deal — have a chance at landing the defensive stalwart via trade.
Per Keith Pompey of The Inquirer, the Sixers can arrange the following “realistic” trade package in exchange for Leonard:
The Sixers’ most realistic package to submit to San Antonio could involve Dario Saric, Robert Covington and the Miami Heat’s 2021 unprotected first-round pick. However, the Spurs want two players — again, believed to be Saric and Covington — and three future first-round picks.
It's fair trade at face value. The Sixers might miss the offensive capabilities of Saric and the defensive services of Covington. Yet with Leonard, they will have an elite player capable of defending the opposing team's best player and be the number one option on the offensive end.
Leonard is an attractive piece to add to their roster. If they can get him, they will do so. But on the contrary, if it doesn't work out, they'll be happy to move on. Sixers co-managing partner Josh Harris said:
“If the right situation comes where we can acquire someone that can really add value to our program and the cost of it isn’t prohibitive, then we’ll move forward and do that. But if that doesn’t come along for whatever reason, then we’ll keep moving forward with our program.”
“I think even just based what we did this offseason, we are going to get better and move closer to our goal which is that NBA championship that we keep talking [about]. … If we get the right deal, we will do it.”
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