All-Star Kawhi Leonard Looking to Leave Spurs and Join Lakers

Kawhi Leonard might be leaving San Antonio, sources tell ESPN. The All-Star forward is frustrated with how the organization handled his quad injury, and feels like he received backlash from the franchise when he sought a second opinion. According to the sources, Leonard is eyeing Los Angeles, preferably the Lakers, as his preference for a trade destination. He has not yet officially asked the team for a trade, however. If Leonard does become available in trade talks, the Boston Celtics would be interested in probing the Spurs about a deal, sources tell ESPN. The Celtics had asked inquired about a trade for Leonard before the February deadline.

Leonard could receive a five-year, $219 million contract extension from the Spurs this summer. He is allowed to opt out of his current deal after next season and become a free agent in July 2019.