The Philadelphia 76ers have not yet made a formal trade proposal to the San Antonio Spurs for disgruntled star Kawhi Leonard.
In no way does this mean that the Sixers are not actively pursuing a Leonard trade. Long linked to the All-NBA performer, Philadelphia is reportedly putting together potential proposals that might catch the Spurs’ eye.
According to Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated, one package centers around forwards Dario Saric and Robert Covington.
“One team source says preliminary discussions with San Antonio revealed the Spurs have strong interest in a package involving burgeoning forwards Dario Saric and Robert Covington as well as a future first-round pick,” the scribe noted.
Fischer goes on to report that said first-round pick would be the selection acquired from Phoenix (via Miami) in 2021. It’s an unprotected pick, which has proven to be extremely valuable in today’s NBA.
It was previously reported on Thursday that San Antonio prefers what the Boston Celtics might have to offer for Leonard. It’s now widely believed that the Spurs’ preference is Jayson Tatum. Though, a more realistic package from Boston would center around All-Star guard Kyrie Irving.
As it relates to this one potential package, Saric is likely viewed as more valuable in San Antonio than around the league. Still only 24 years old, the Croatian fits the bill of overseas talent that has defined San Antonio’s excellence over the past two decades. He averaged 14.6 points and 6.7 rebounds for Philadelphia last season.