The Spurs could be two if’s away–Leonard and James–from an NBA crown.
There’s plenty of speculation about Kawhi Leonard’s future with the Spurs, including his relationship with head coach Gregg Popovich. But according to Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News, the two could be approaching a “healing stage.” The two side are trying to schedule a meeting “to discuss any issues or concerns Leonard may have.”
Leonard appeared in only 9 games this season, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals. He’s rehabbing from a quad injury, but now is feeling close to 100 percent.
The Spurs are planning to offer Leonard a five-year, $219 million supermax contract extension. If the Spurs can fix their relationship with Leonard and re-sign him, then they will be free to focus attention on the off-season free agent market, which opens July 1.
While the Spurs’ roster looks solid with Leonard, the team has shown interest in joining other clubs in “the LeBron James Lottery.” With James in the fold, Popovich knows the Spurs would be a legitimate threat to dethrone the Golden State Warriors.
James knows that, too. A longtime Popovich admirer, James has shown interest in working with “Pops” again–as a member of Team USA Men’s Basketball, which Popovich will coach.
Make no mistake about it: the Spurs are thrilled that Leonard is showing interest in returning to the club. What a coup it would be if he did just that and if LeBron decided to play change address to San Antonio!
The Spurs could be two if’s away from an NBA crown.
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Updated data as of June 13, 2018. Sources: San Antonio Express-News, Bleacher Report