Kawhi Leonard Trade: 5 possible Trade Packages for Kawhi Leonard
The Kawhi Leonard saga continues to get more peculiar as time goes by and the likelihood of him staying with the San Antonio Spurs seems to be diminishing with each passing day that he doesn't come back. All the signs point to a potentially bitter break up from the Spurs and Kawhi has even stopped showing up at Spurs home games after that players-only meeting held last month. Recent comments from Coach Pop, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker haven't exactly helped their case either and it seems like the Spurs might be done with him.
With that being said, we decided to look at potential trades for Leonard in the coming offseason. A point to note would be that Kawhi only has a year left on his contract ( he will decline his player option for 2019-20) so the Spurs aren't going to get a King's ransom for him. So remember the trade hauls for Paul George and Jimmy Butler before jumping on me Spurs fans.
Milwaukee Bucks
Spurs Trade: Kawhi Leonard
Bucks Trade: Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, Thon Maker, 2018 or 2019 1st Round Pick
This would be a win-win trade for both parties. The Bucks get a superstar alongside Giannis to form a terrific 1-2 two-way punch which would be a problem for anybody in the league. A starting lineup featuring Giannis, Leonard, Eric Bledsoe and Jabari Parker would elevate the Bucks to a contender in the East and more importantly, it would send a message to Giannis. The Greek Freak has stated that he'd stick around as long as the Bucks keep improving the team and landing one of the top 5 players in the league would be a resounding statement of intent.
As for the Spurs, while this might look like a robbery to some, they get a pretty good haul for a guy in his final year. Middleton is an excellent player who'll only get better playing under a guy like Pop. He's long, can guard multiple positions, is an able playmaker and an excellent shooter. He's currently in the midst of his best year as a pro, averaging 20 points a game and expect him to get better in the coming years. Brogdon offers a solid option at either guard position and with Ginobili and Parker nearing their way out he'd be a better succession plan than they have.
With Maker, Pop gets a shot at molding one of the more unique players in the league today who hasn't quite lived up to the hype at Milwaukee. The Bucks would offer either the 2018 or 19 pick, depending on whether this year's selection goes to Phoenix or not based on the protections.