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It’s still unclear where Kawhi Leonard will be playing basketball next season and beyond. According to reports from ESPN’s Ian Begley, several people within the 76ers organization feel that Philadelphia can hold onto the superstar long-term if they trade for him. Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News confirmed that Leonard would entertain the possibility of signing with Philly long-term if he is traded their this offseason.
Philadelphia should check all of the boxes for Leonard. They are located in a bigger market, they have a young core of potential superstars in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, and they are positioned to be one of the favorites in a weaker Eastern Conference. The Sixers are poised for long-term success, even more so if they can somehow land Kawhi and convince him to stay in Philly for the long haul.
With only one year left on his current contract, teams could be hesitant to go after Leonard on what could be seen as a year-long rental. It’s clear that he would be willing to sign long-term deals with the Lakers and Sixers. They remain the most likely landing spots for the superstar.
But for now, San Antonio has yet to find a trading partner for Leonard. The Boston Celtics are another candidate in the sweepstakes for Kawhi, and they have the assets to acquire him. They may be waiting for confirmation that he is willing to sign a long-term deal. But until then, it appears that Kawhi is showing the most interest in Los Angeles and Philly.