The ongoing saga around San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard’s future continues. The 26-year-old wants out of San Antonio and is willing to sacrifice money to make it happen.
According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Leonard has made it clear to the organization that he wants out and to be traded to the Lakers. Furthermore, the two-time All-Star forward is reportedly willing to sacrifice a chance at the super max contract.
“From what I am being told…he’s made it very, very clear that he’s looking to go to Los Angeles to play for the Lakers and he does not care about the $219 million super max he could sign,” Smith said, via ESPN Los Angeles.
It’s further fuel to the fire surrounding Leonard’s desire to play for the Lakers. The problem for him is at this point, San Antonio and Los Angeles have had no dialogue about any potential trade.
If Leonard is telling San Antonio this isn’t about money and he’ll play for less elsewhere, it’s a solid strategy. But he remains under contract with San Antonio and is really without a card to bring to the negotiating table right now.
In an offseason where LeBron James and Paul George could sign elsewhere, Leonard’s situation just adds to what should be a hectic offseason.