The second spherical of the draft got here and went largely unceremoniously, however just a few commerce rumors cropped up through the broadcast. One in all them concerned the Spurs and an unlikely commerce goal. Whereas discussing Kawhi Leonard’s future, his “former groups” had been listed amongst these “maintaining a tally of” the state of affairs, in line with ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Now, keep in mind that Marks was reluctant to call any potential commerce locations, first saying that a number of playoff groups had been . Brian Windhorst confidently instructed that the Pistons had been one in all them earlier than Marks, prompted by host Malika Andrews, sheepishly mentioned that “perhaps” Leonard’s former groups, the Raptors and Spurs, could be potential touchdown spots. It wasn’t a powerful report naming San Antonio as actively engaged in talks. The Silver and Black had been talked about as a franchise that’s, once more, maintaining a tally of issues.
That mentioned, the truth that insiders even talked about the Spurs as a staff doubtlessly attempting to amass Leonard is surprising, given how messy their breakup was. For many who don’t bear in mind, right here’s a brief and incomplete abstract: The staff’s medical workers and Leonard’s medical doctors disagreed on the prognosis of an harm. The primary disagreement led to Kawhi refusing to play whereas cleared. Tensions rose till the long run Corridor-of-Famer and his controversial consultant and uncle, Dennis Robertson, compelled their manner out. As a substitute of sending him to Los Angeles, as Leonard wished, San Antonio’s entrance workplace despatched him to Toronto, the place he gained a title earlier than signing with the Clippers in free company.
Leonard has been repeatedly injured for the reason that preliminary commerce and for a large a part of his Clippers tenure, however had a bounce-back yr in 2025/26, taking part in 32 minutes an evening on the 65 video games he suited up for and posting a career-high in factors per recreation. His implausible efficiency on the ground was usually overshadowed by an off-court scandal. The NBA is at present investigating the Clippers for circumventing the wage cap to pay Leonard by funding a sponsor that gave him a big deal with out asking something in return from Leonard. Previously, Robertson had reportedly requested for no-show endorsement offers, amongst different issues, however the league discovered no proof of wrongdoing again in 2019.
From a purely basketball-related standpoint, Leonard may very well be a terrific slot in San Antonio. He’s not the All-NBA defender he as soon as was, however he can nonetheless guard a number of positions, and he’s a lethal scorer with the dimensions to play both ahead spot. He would symbolize a major improve as a starter over both Devin Vassell or Julian Champagnie. He has championship expertise and may create for himself within the clutch. If he’s wholesome sufficient to play 60+ regular-season video games and be in rhythm for the postseason, he’d make the staff higher.
The query is, how would the Spurs purchase him? The best transaction could be to commerce De’Aaron Fox for Leonard, however such a transfer appears unlikely. Not solely did basic supervisor Brian Wright guarantee the media and followers that the franchise had full belief in Fox regardless of a poor displaying within the Finals, however even when San Antonio was keen to commerce Fox, why would the Clippers conform to such a deal? They drafted Keaton Wagler fifth general within the 2026 draft and have Darius Garland making some huge cash on their books, which makes them unlikely to covet one other guard. A 3rd staff would seemingly be crucial.
Past the logistics of a possible commerce, would Leonard be comfortable returning to the Spurs? And would Spurs followers embrace him after all of the drama? The choice-makers appear to have made their peace with what occurred, with Gregg Popovich scolding followers for booing Kawhi again in 2023, however Leonard by no means expressed regret for a way issues went in San Antonio, and a variety of followers haven’t forgiven him. Leonard can be extension-eligible, which may make issues awkward quick if he doesn’t decide to the staff or the entrance workplace hesitates to supply him long-term cash.
For now, that is solely a rumor. It’s fully potential Leonard stays with the Clippers or is traded elsewhere. There’s even a really small chance that his contract is voided if the league finds proof of cap circumvention after ending the investigation. Nothing appears imminent.
Will probably be attention-grabbing to see if the rumor turns right into a report quickly, because the league approaches the extra hectic time of the offseason, free company. At this level, a reunion appears unlikely for a lot of causes, however stranger issues have occurred within the NBA.
So, Spurs followers, how would you are feeling about Leonard doubtlessly returning to San Antonio? Tell us within the feedback.
