When word came out that Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard wanted out of San Antonio, social media erupted with possible destinations. Leonard, when healthy, is one of the best players in basketball, and his move could change the complexion of talent in the NBA.
Bookmaker.eu offers these odds who who’s most likely to draw Leonard’s service:
Los Angeles Lakers: 1/2
San Antonio Spurs: 5/1
Cleveland Cavaliers: 10/1
Boston Celtics: 12/1
Philadelphia 76ers: 15/1
Los Angeles Clippers: 15/1
Phoenix Suns: 15/1
Milwaukee Bucks: 20/1
Atlanta Hawks/Field: 50/1
A lost season might lead some to undervalue Kawhi Leonard.
— Micah Adams (@MicahAdams13) June 16, 2018
You shouldn't.
Consider: there are nearly 300 players in NBA history that have played at least 75 playoff games.
Kawhi has posted a higher win shares per 48 than all but two of them.
Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
That said: Lebron, Kawhi and PG would be the best big three in the sport and it wouldn’t be close. If #Lakers can somehow pull that off, they’re the favorite to win it all.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) June 16, 2018
How the Lakers can trade for Kawhi and still land LeBron and PG https://t.co/GOM2eY0G2w pic.twitter.com/vKUzKwvdhO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 16, 2018
But, since the Spurs have leverage in Leonard's ultimate destination, there is speculation they will only look to trade him to the Eastern Conference.
Sources: There is a 0 percent chance the #Spurs trade @kawhileonard to a Western Conference team. ZEEEEE-Row. Column: https://t.co/6OX85eL1K3
— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) June 17, 2018
If so ...
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
Forget coming to an agreement with the Spurs, the first sales pitch the #Sixers have to make is to Kawhi Leonard's camp. They have a pretty unique, compelling pitch to offer: https://t.co/CvQQZXN8jR
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) June 15, 2018
But at least one ESPN personality thinks Los Angeles is Kawhi’s ... strong preference.
Stop it, Kawhi! pic.twitter.com/JpGF64ZdLE
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 16, 2018
And while the Hawks seem to be an unlikely trade partner, that hasn't stopped some from dreaming.
“Kawhi Leonard has been traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Dennis Schroder, John Collins and the 3rd overall pick. God bless”
— The Chef (Steve) (@ChefWaites) June 15, 2018