The Nuggets are one of nine teams who have spoken with the Spurs about trading for forward Kawhi Leonard, according to ESPN. The Lakers, Leonard’s preferred destination, Celtics, 76ers, Clippers, Suns, Trail Blazers, Raptors and Wizards have also reportedly talked with San Antonio about the 2014 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.
Leonard, 27, only appeared in nine games for the Spurs last season due to a right quad injury, which the Spurs diagnosed as “right quad tendinopathy.” A rift reportedly developed between Leonard’s camp and the Spurs throughout the year in regards to the handling of the injury.
At one point last season Leonard flew to New York for a second opinion on his quad and began working out at the National Basketball Players Association headquarters gymnasium, according to ESPN. Ahead of USA Basketball’s team minicamp in Las Vegas next week — an event that involves National Team head coach Gregg Popovich that Leonard reportedly wants to participate in — the two-time Defensive Player of the Year’s stance hasn’t changed. He still wants a trade to the Lakers.
Armed with young, desirable assets, the Nuggets could be a serious contender for Leonard’s services. However, any team that trades for Leonard without a commitment from the forward that he’ll re-sign following the 2018-19 season knows they are taking a substantial risk. Leonard is due to make $20.1 million next season but can opt out of his contract next summer and secure a long-term deal. The Spurs can offer Leonard a five-year, $221 million super-max extension — a dollar figure that vastly exceeds what the league’s 29 other teams can offer.
If Leonard is traded this summer, the most he could receive in an extension would be a four-year, $108 million contract beginning in 2019-20. In the summer of 2019, Leonard would be eligible to sign a five-year, $190 million contract as a free agent with the team acquiring him or a four-year, $141 million with a team that has cap space. Under no circumstances would Leonard be eligible to sign a super-max extension as a free agent with a team other than San Antonio.
Teams including the Lakers are wary to give up significant assets in a trade for Leonard because of his injury and how soon he can hit the open market. According to ESPN, the Trail Blazers won’t relinquish either Damian Lillard or C.J. McCollum in a deal. Any team that trades for Leonard has to at least be hopeful that it will be able to sign him to an extension or new contract next offseason.
Leonard is one season removed from his second-consecutive All-NBA and All-Star selection where he averaged 25.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
