San Antonio Spurs: Sending Kawhi Leonard to the 76ers can ensure a bright future
By Dan Knitzer
A Kawhi Leonard trade is inevitable, and necessary. Philadelphia’s assets can keep the San Antonio Spurs respectable now, and build a dynasty within two years
The Kawhi Leonard situation has left the San Antonio Spurs in a precarious position. With lifers Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker so obviously long in the tooth, and Gregg Popovich possibly getting ready to retire, the team needs a lifeline, which is why they obviously want to hang on to one of the best three or four players in the NBA.
But if he plans on leaving next summer, as recent reports seem to suggest, they need to trade him ASAP.
Apparently the Spurs want a “grand slam” offer for their grand slam player. Makes sense. But “grand slam” can mean a plethora of different things, to different franchises. What it should mean for the Spurs and the septuagenarian Popovich is trading with the Philadelphia 76ers.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
- LeBron James working to assemble super team for USA Basketball in 2024
- Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
I recently wrote about three potential trade offers for Kawhi Leonard that didn’t include draft picks. When writing that article, I probably (DEFINITELY!) sold Kawhi short, foolishly saying the Wizards would only given up Kelly Oubre and Otto Porter, Jr., instead of Oubre and the superior Bradley Beal.
Likewise, I’m certain the Portland Trail Blazers would be willing to include promising big Zach Collins in a trade for C.J. McCollum, as well as take back Patty Mills’ inflated three-year contract if it was accompanied by the Klaw. He’s that much better than any of those borderline star shooting guards.
These deals would help the Spurs stay relevant for the next few years, with or without Popovich, but they don’t secure a bright long-term future for the franchise, as neither Oubre nor Collins appears to have All-Star potential. The “grand slam” trade for Leonard would be one that helps do both.
76ers fans seem to understand that anyone besides Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid is on the table in a potential trade. Arguably the most popular fan trade idea involves Markelle Fultz, Dario Saric, and the 10th overall draft pick from the LA Lakers. The Spurs could also push for future picks down the road, hoping the 76ers flame out and change course like the post KG-Paul Pierce Brooklyn Nets.
To make the deal work financially, the 76ers would need to attach another mid-level contract, possibly Robert Covington and his four-year $46 million dollar contract that begins in October. If I’m the Spurs, I would rather take the expiring contract of the unplayable Jerryd Bayless. That way, in 2019 when Bayless and Pau Gasol (and possibly Rudy Gay and Danny Green - assuming they opt in this summer) come off the books, the Spurs have max cap space to go after a star free agent or free agents (like Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, and probably LeBron James and Kevin Durant.)
Admittedly, this could go South, fast. Pop may not want any part of a semi-rebuild – even a one year one – and retire, or the team could miss the playoffs, and lose their championship allure. San Antonio has never signed a big free agent besides LaMarcus Aldridge, and in 2019, he’ll likely be on the decline – therefore not part of the sales pitch.
On the other hand, Aldridge could still be considered a decent second option, or exemplary third option for interested free agents. Saric should blossom in the Spurs system – as so many unathletic Europeans before him have – and prove a reliable third option.
Must Read: 2018 NBA Draft: The 3 Biggest Takeaways From The Draft Lottery
If at least two of Fultz, Dejounte Murray, and the to-be-determined 10th pick look the part of above-average starters, the Spurs could return to being a 55+ win team, just be one superstar away from contending for a title in the 2019-2020 season.
Next season, even with a healthy Leonard, they’d still be one star away from challenging the Warriors. The franchise can secure its present and its future, if they ring the liberty bell.