The Spurs reportedly have said they do not want to trade Kawhi Leonard within the Western Conference, and apparently they won’t have to.
In the latest episode of “ The Lowe Podcast,” ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst said the Raptors are in the “driver’s seat” to pull off a deal for Leonard.
“I think they're in the driver's seat for Kawhi because I think the Lakers have given up. The Sixers have given up. And with the Nets, Bulls and Hawks spending their cap space, it makes it harder to assemble like a multi-team trade,” Windhorst said.
DeMar DeRozan and his $27.7 million salary for next season would likely have to be involved in any package to make the financials work for Toronto, but Windhorst said second-year forward OG Anunoby has “got to be in the deal.”
We’ve learned throughout the Leonard saga that the Spurs will not ship him to another team without a serious return that keeps them relevant in the Western Conference. A Leanard-DeRozan swap along with a few other assets could do that.
As for Toronto, brining in Leonard could remind everyone they’re serious about owning the LeBron James-less Eastern Conference ahead of the Celtics and 76ers.
