NBA Rumors: Lakers Played ‘Longer Game’ In Kawhi Leonard Discussions Before Spurs Traded Him To Raptors
Kawhi Leonard
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

When Kawhi Leonard requested a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers prior to the 2018 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs remained patient in hopes of repairing the relationship and offering him a five-year, $219 million supermax contract extension.

However, as time went on, it became very clear teams were unwilling to trade significant assets for a one-year rental.

Since the Spurs had little-to-no leverage, they ultimately traded Leonard and Danny Green to the Toronto Raptors for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first round draft pick.

With reports of the Spurs wanting the team’s entire young core outside of Lonzo Ball, the Lakers were thinking long-term in their trade discussions, according to Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN:

So far, the Lakers are playing the longer game in trade talks, confident in the belief that Leonard wants to play with them and plans to sign in free agency in July 2019.

With the Lakers deciding to wait on Leonard until free agency, there will naturally be comparisons made to Paul George, who ultimately re-signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, through all of the conflicting reports, Leonard wanting to play for the Lakers has remained the one constant.

As Leonard reportedly does not want to play in Toronto, it will be interesting to see what steps he takes next. If the Raptors come to the conclusion they cannot re-sign him, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year could be moved once again by the 2019 NBA trade deadline.

Medium Large is looking to add motivated individuals with big dreams and a big appetite for success to our LakersNation.com direct sales team based in Los Angeles or Orange County. If you love sports, know digital sales, and can throw your weight behind an aggressive commission based opportunity than we would love to talk to you. Please apply at: http://mediumlarge.la/?jobs=1576. If you meet our criteria we will be in touch!

You May Also Like

NBA Rumors: Pelicans ‘Know They’re On The Clock’ With Anthony Davis, Will Remain Active In Trade Talks

Although 33-year-old LeBron James is not showing any signs of slowing down, 25-year-old Anthony Davis is widely viewed as the next face of the NBA. Originally the No. 1 pick…

Lakers Rumors: LeBron James Opposed ‘King James’ Trademark Application Filed By Heat Owner’s Company

LeBron James has had a busy offseason in the time after winning the NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers only…

Lakers Rumors: Magic Johnson ‘Used Intimidation And Bullying’ As President Of Basketball Operations

Since the conclusion of the 2018-19 NBA season, it has been a drama-filled offseason for owner Jeanie Buss and the Los…

NBA Rumors: Lakers, Heat & 76ers Interested In Trading For Bulls’ Zach LaVine

The beginning of the 2023-24 season has been a fun one for fans as several teams are off to great starts…