Kawhi Leonard's relationship with the San Antonio Spurs has been slowly deteriorating as his rehabilitation process has created a “chilling impact” between the star forward and management/the coaching staff, according to a dual report by ESPN's Michael C. Wright and Adrian Wojnarowski.

According to the report, the back-and-forth and uncertainty upon his recovery from a right quadriceps injury has created a distance from the two parties, a rare instance given the organization's close-knit rapport with its star players.

“The Spurs have a two decade-long history of strong relationships with star players, but multiple sources describe Leonard and his camp as “distant” and “disconnected” from the organization,” read the report.

The tandem of head coach Gregg Popovich and longtime general manager R.C. Buford rejected any notion of turbulence between the organization and its franchise player.

“There is no issue between the Spurs organization and Kawhi,” Buford said. “From Day 1 all parties have worked together to find the best solutions to his injury.”

Buford admitted to what has been a frustrating rehab process for Leonard, who missed the majority of four games against the Golden State Warriors, as the Spurs were promptly swept out of playoff contention.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) with guard Pat Connaughton (24) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
Bucks rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo teammate ready for $9.4 million decisionTroy Finnegan ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers teammates reveal favorite clutch shotJackson Stone ·
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) shoots the ball during the fourth quarter of game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center.
Rockets’ Jalen Green shows off wild Dennis Rodman tattooJackson Stone ·
Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) sit on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena
Former Warriors’ Nick Young admits ‘confusion’ on JR Smith ruining LeBron James’ nightJosue Pavon ·
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Footprint Center
Suns rumors: How much Phoenix can buy out of Bradley Beal’s $111 million left on contractJackson Stone ·
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.
Raptors rumors: What Toronto is ‘coveting’ with No. 9 pickTroy Finnegan ·

“This has been difficult for everyone,” Buford told ESPN. “It's been difficult for Kawhi. He's an elite level player. It's been difficult for the team, because they want to play with a great teammate. And it's been difficult for our staff. Historically we've been able to successfully manage injuries. This rehab hasn't been simple and it hasn't gone in a linear fashion.”

Leonard only played nine regular season games this season, as the 6-foot-7 All-NBA wing was shut down by the team to fully engage in the rehab process once again. Leonard had told the Spurs at different stages of his recovery process that he wasn't fully comfortable with his ability to play through the injury, making the team's decision to end his season a firm one.

“We sought outside expertise with the best tendon experts in the world,” Buford said. “It worked beautifully for Tony (Parker) but it hasn't worked the same for Kawhi.”

“What's really strange is that Tony Parker has the same injury, but even worse,” Popovich told reporters earlier in the season.

Parker ruptured a left quad tendon back in May — a much more devastating injury — successfully returning to the court nearly seven months later.