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Less than an hour after it news broke that Kawhi Leonard wants to be traded from the San Antonio Spurs, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Boston Celtics will be interested in talking with the Spurs about a potential deal for the star forward.
If Kawhi Leonard does become available in trade talks, the Boston Celtics will be interested in probing the Spurs about a deal, league sources tell ESPN. Boston inquired about a trade prior to the February deadline, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2018
This comes shortly after sources said the Celtics inquired about a trade for Leonard at this year’s trade deadline. It’s clear that there is some interest there, but whether or not Leonard would consider resigning with Boston would greatly impact the package that Danny Ainge is willing to offer.
Wojnarowski followed that up by saying that the Celtics have the best assets to offer San Antonio.
Indiana had little interest in Paul George trade w/ Lakers -- and that'll be case for Spurs too. Boston gives Spurs best building blocks of assets -- one of young forwards (likely Jaylen Brown), its own 18 pick/19 protected Kings pick, etc. Lonzo to Spurs? Don't hold your breath.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2018
According to Yahoo’s Shams Chararnia, Kawhi Leonard wants out from San Antonio.
Kawhi Leonard wants out from the San Antonio Spurs, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2018
Earlier this week, the San Antonio Express reported that Leonard and Gregg Popovich were going to meet about a potential contract extension.
The Spurs and their star forward have been battling back and forth all season long, and it seems as though Leonard has, “grown uncomfortable” with the team, per Charania.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski then joined the fun, reporting that the Los Angeles Lakers are at the center of Leonard’s trade preferences.
San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard has Los Angeles — preferably the Lakers — at the center of his preferences for a trade destination, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2018
We’ll continue to update this story as the day goes on.