The free agency was already poised to be one of the most star-studded events in the offseason. However, things kicked up a notch when rumors surfaced about San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard wanting to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
There have been countless scenarios regarding what it would take for the Lakers to acquire Leonard. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, head coach Gregg Popovich reportedly may be unwilling to send him to the purple and gold, via ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski:
The Spurs are unlikely to be motivated to facilitate a deal to the Lakers, league sources said.
The reports should come as no surprise. Popovich's unwritten rule about not dealing with potential powerhouses in the Western Conference has become somewhat well-known throughout the league. Shipping away his franchise player would certainly fall within those lines.
The Spurs have seemingly done what they can to downplay any notion of him leaving. “Pop” and Leonard reportedly met on Tuesday in San Diego to discuss the future of their relationship moving forward. Although the meeting may seem like it was a response to the reports, San Antonio is adamant that the two had this meeting planned for some time.
Regardless, if the rumors are true then Popovich is going to need to find a way to get something in return before Leonard departs in free agency. The Spurs have had no shortage of suitors when it comes to fielding interest for Leonard. However, there are a few teams that can give a better offer than the Lakers can. That said, it is hard to imagine Popovich turning down a bonafide offer on the basis of preventing another super team in the NBA.
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