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NBA Trade Rumors: What happened to Kawhi’s relationship with the Spurs?

By Andres Buenahora

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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NBA Trade Rumors Kawhi Leonard reportedly wants a trade from the San Antonio Spurs, but what really happened to this relationship where it’s reached the point of no return

After critical comments from San Antonio Spurs teammates and head coach Gregg Popovich pertaining to a quad injury, all-star forward Kawhi Leonard no longer has any interest in playing for San Antonio.

Leonard feels the organization turned on him after he sought additional medical help outside of the team doctors.

This is what Tony Parker said, that reportedly angered Kawhi:

"“rehab for me for eight months. Same kind of injury [as Kawhi], but mine was a hundred times worse…I could have gone anywhere but I trust my Spurs doctors.”"

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This epitomizes the lack of support towards Kawhi’s decision and overall pressure to return that have distanced Leonard from not only his teammates, but also the organization as a whole. Furthermore, when asked about a potential playoff return for Leonard earlier this year, San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich replied with this simple, yet destructive quote:

"“You’ll have to ask Kawhi and his camp that question.”"

While Popovich is understandably frustrated, such a comment only further contributed to Leonard’s isolation and significantly antagonized the perception of him within the Spurs franchise. 

The all-star forward’s preferred destination is reportedly Los Angeles. However, a hometown return for Leonard seems unlikely because the Lakers lack the necessary assets to acquire a player of Kawhi’s caliber. Additionally, there are some whispers that even if Gregg Popovich reaches the point to where he has realized he needs to trade Kawhi, he will be traded to an Eastern Conference team.

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Although Kawhi Leonard’s relationship with the organization is clearly damaged, the Spurs have a reputation as one of the most professional franchises in all of sports. Couple that with the fact that they have arguably the greatest coach of all-time, and if any franchise is in position to fix a really bad relationship it’s the San Antonio Spurs.

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