[Windhorst & Marks] Kawhi Leonard’s potential trade availability is reportedly being monitored by the Detroit Pistons and, perhaps more notably, by some of his “former teams.” Leonard previously played for the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs.
Kawhi back to the spurs lol
Seems too much like fanfiction to be real but it’d be cool to see.
Crazier things have happened
Like what?
Luka to the Lakers for a bag of chips
Damn. Totally forgot there’s a legitimate answer now lol. No matter how bizarre the trade idea seems. There will always be the secret Luka trade. The glorious deal so good Luka was the first superstar to not be shopped around before being traded.
Oh right.
Fox and draft capital for Kawhi? Clippers help the rebuild, Spurs get an all NBA guy in Kawhi who’d fit perfectly. Lowkey works, as long as they load manage.
Harper Castle Vassell Kawhi Wemby lineup might genuinely be 04 pistons level defensively
That’s absolutely disgusting
They would be better than 04 pistons on defense
And Bryant off the bench on top of that? Man can dream
He’d have to be part of the package I’d imagine.
A fox and garland backcourt would be disgusting 😂😂 and they already drafted their Wagler so it wouldn’t make any sense
Nate Duncan said on his podcast, that they weren’t trading for Garland, they just got him back bc Harden wanted to be dealt. He was under the assumption, talking specifically about the Wagler pick, that Garland isn’t in their long term plans. Still dealing with the toe this off season. I think Garland is a sixth man. He was best as a sixth man before getting the big minutes early in his career.
Wagler, Garland backcourt isn’t much better. Although it seems size could be why they didn’t draft Acuff or Brown.
I still like Fox.
He was never a 6th man though. Even when he was “statistically the worst player in the nba” he always started. I think if they are able to let his toe heal and he can be truly healthy he can be a Trae young level of player. He had his all star season, dropping 50, eliminated in play in, then traded for Donny and his role changed immediately. He’s a little underrated these days I think.
Nate Duncan said he is still dealing with the toe? Because L.Frank said Garland has been working out every day since off season started.
Interesting: nonetheless this toe is really persistent.
From Dunc’d On: NBA Draft 2026
It’s a lot of non-sequiters but this is what Duncan said:
“Darius Garland was someone they just kinda picked up for free because James Harden wanted to be traded, I don’t know how heavy he is in their plans…but maybe after a full season of offseason work? He still said he is being bothered a ton by that toe even after he came back for the Clippers this year..and so the Clippers might not guard anyone this year”
This aint how L.Frank and beat writers are advertising Darius to the fans. They keep saying that DG is franchise player and L.Frank has been constantly telling people that DG is trying to work to add more muscles and strength so he doesnt get bullied around
It’s more or less those two being the Captain and Lieutenant on the tank brigade. They aren’t trying to win, embrace the rebuild and the young prospects, and aim for a play in birth at best for reps
Tanking for what? They don’t own their ‘27,28,29 pick….
Might be just waiting until you can trade one of Fox or Garland for picks. You just wait for the best offer you can negotiate or when another team gets desperate, until then it’s just vibes and a shiny state-of-the-art arena sponsored by Aspiration.
OKC still got the 2027 1st from LA don’t they?
Are you insane??
If his bitchass uncle still around they can take a hike.
Do you got any non-Spurs picks? Don’t see it being worth taking Fox on for the 30th picks.
In the first round, we have Atlanta’s 2027, swap rights with Boston in 28, swap rights with both Dallas and Minnesota in 30, and swap rights with Sacramento in 31.
Why the fuck would clippers draft a pg at #5 then trade for Fox?
IMO a package of Fox (who they defo wouldn’t want) or Vassell/Kornet and a bunch of garbage high 20s picks isn’t getting you Kwahi.
Id welcome it if his stupid uncle isn’t involved and if he truly apologizes for his crap he did to our fan base
Admittedly I still have a soft spot for him
You’d probably have to deal with his random injury flair ups that requires him to go back to LA for a week
he hasn’t had knee problems in well over a year ever since he got stem cell treatment and dropped weight. only a couple ankle sprains last season and that’s all
True, and considering his chronic knee issues for the past 10 years it’s safe to say they’re a part of the past
nope but worth noting that he has looked far better in terms of health and no major knee issues since that point.
Kawhi getting healthy in 2026 wasn’t on anybody’s bingo card
I still have a Kawhi #2 Spurs jersey but I assume he’d be wearing a new number if did in fact go back.
Same it’s the only jersey I own
i burned mine lol
coulda saved it and then taped harper over it
My Lonnie Wembanyama IV jersey agrees
Are people really this naive lmao?
He ain’t apologizing for shit lmao, please get real 🤣🤣
Na man he’s not worth it. Especially at his price point and limited availability
His apology will come in the form of helping you win a championship
Yeah I’m sure Kawhi would be very concerned about whether or not Spurs fans on Reddit would welcome him back
Even if he didn’t apologize and his uncle doubled down, you’d still welcome him back lol let’s be real
Not sure if his uncle is still involved but the Aspiration stuff felt a lot like a thing that Uncle Dennis would do
I believe Uncle Dennis was directly involved in the Aspiration stuff if I remember correctly
Why that man need to apologize to yall for living his life.
lol that really was the wildest comment of the night
Fuck it, LeBron back to Cleveland, Kawhi back to the spurs, and KD and Russ back to the thunder.
Me back to high school
Just like the good old days.
NBA storylines would be amazing if that all happened.
At that point they’re just reenacting those NBA playoff ads where they make it look like current players are playing with their franchise legends.
Never going to happen imo, I think the Spurs have no interest in dealing with Uncle Dennis shenanigans, gotta be the Raptors
Dennis will likely get banned if Silver has any stones.
The Spurs would be disgusting with Kawhi
No chance the Knicks walk down the spurs in those comebacks with Kawhi on the floor. They so desperately needed a cool head to slow it down and get some high percentage shots. Kawhi or LeBron would both fit perfect there.
Hahahahahahaha
No.
I’ve been advocating for LBJ to SA. This would be even better if they didn’t have to give up too much, or even better if they can get off Fox (who I still like, sorry internet) Kawhi would be wonderful to slot into Champagnie’s place.
somehow Uncle Dennis returned
Forget that, Tobias Harris back to the Clippers
Detroits defense would be so scary if the scorer they get is Kawhi Leonard
FR
Cade, Ausar, Kawhi as your wings out there is wild
Especially compared to the potential rumoured traffic cones that are Herro or Powell lol (my boys)
lol I love Powell, he’s from San Diego like me so I’m familiar with his game
They are definitely elite shooting threats but ya, can’t have it all so they get targeted on defense a lot
Kawhi would give them another guy they could throw at guys like Tatum/Brown/OG/PG etc in potential eastern matchups
Did Paul George just get included with those other 3 names lmao. Hold on a second
What can I say
I still like pg
There was a play Paul George had in the Knicks series. Standing at the three point line with the ball. Throws a lazy pass the Knicks immediately steal. PG just stands there watching the Knicks fastbreak play out without moving.
Dude legit turned the ball over. And stood there watching the entire fast break without reacting. Stood there like an asshole while his teammates played defense.
Lost a whole lot of respect for him as a player. Always shirking off the little shit. Even as a grizzled veteran now.
Sorry for the rant lol. I always tried to defend PG at least a bit until then.
Kawhi isn’t much of a defender anymore tbh. But Detroit’s defense is great with or without him
Yes he is, he just can’t be the guy you stick on people anymore. But end of games and moments like that he’s still a great defender. Asuar can guard the best players so it’s not really a concern.
He’s still damn good trust me. And like you said, he wouldn’t have to do much since they have a lot of good defenders already and an overall defensive identity.
He’d be able to save his energy and clamp someone when needed as opposed to exhausting a lot of defensive energy all game like he used to in his Spurs days
Kawhi’s D isn’t like that anymore. His offense is somehow the best it’s ever been though
fair but compared to other rumored names like Herro at least it’s not a real target for teams come playoff time
They’re not getting 2017 Kawhi lol
If he goes back to Spurs and just stays healthy enough to play the playoffs.. scary stuff
Easily the championship favorites right?
I’d assume so if they didn’t lose anybody
Imagine inserting him in that lineup, lets say you move Fox
Harper - Castle - Kawhi - Vassell/Champagnie - Wemby
Got 4 to 5 elite defenders out there at all times, and Kawhi gives them someone who can get a bucket at will almost when you need it, especially to stop the kinda runs the Knicks were on
Vassell/Champagnie at the 4 over Kawhi? at this stage in his career he’f probably be much better suited at the 4.
You’re right I’d switch that
Good lookin
I’d also like him on the Magic, that would be sweet ngl
Paolo - Franz - Kawhi big 3
I love the idea of this so much on paper but Paolo would have to go in that situation just for the money to work.
It would also take a shift in how Paolo plays. Bane/Franz/Kawhi more like it.
FO would never do it though, as that would require making a move, something we seem to be allergic to.
stil missing a veteran PG. Harper too young and he’s their only reliable “turnover-unlikely” option
You’re right, it’s not perfect
Only if you trust his knees to hold up. Most years, they don’t.
If it costs Fox+2-3 picks, I think you gotta try though
no way clips want fox though, garland plays the same role
I assume a kawhi trade centered around picks is plunging them into a rebuild and Fox is the dead weight they’re being compensated for with picks.
He could be on limited minutes and it’s still scary
spurs got the depth to basically play him every other game and unleash him in the playoffs…
I dont get why hed be on limited minutes? Last season he played 65 games, 32 minutes, 28 points. That’s better and more reliable than a lot of all stars 5 years younger than him
I was saying since OP was talking about health. He does have injury history, just saying adding him in that depth even on a minute restriction he’d be an explosive piece for an already stacked team
Injury history and he might not trust the Spurs doctors
He did send younger me into a fucking spiral and ruined my life as a fan. However he’d be really fucking good on the spurs and on the very slim chance it happens I sure as hell won’t be complaining lmao
Same I was a junior in HS when his crap went down. He was easily my favorite Spur at the time and it ruined my sports fandom. But I’d be down to make amends if he wants us & shows he cares for this team again
Yall are spoiled lmao
Right? “Ruined my sports fandom” talking about a player that won a finals mvp on your team leaving to go somewhere else what a inconceivably painful experience
It’s kind of interesting how both perspectives are valid, depending on which side you’re starting from. I think it’s pretty undeniable, based on what we know basically a decade later, that Kawhi more or less stabbed the Spurs in the back. Contributions to the franchise aside, he was literally the prince of SA to Duncan’s King, and was imminently going to be given the keys to everything; fans thought that he’d be in a Spurs jersey until retirement, and that he was a quintessential Spurs player.
For him to leave the way he did blindsided absolutely everyone. It didn’t ruin my fandom by any means, but I can understand why it did for some (especially people who were younger at the time, like some of the other commenters in this thread).
On the flip side, I can understand why it’s bonkers to malign someone who was integral to winning a championship, FMVP and two DPOYs for your franchise from the outside looking in. Personally, I feel that Kawhi deserves to have his number retired here, but I know that’s a fairly controversial take among Spurs fans.
Really, what I’m saying is this; objectively, he’s an all time great, and he did incredible things for the Spurs. And maybe it’s in part because of how SA is a one franchise city, but the team means a lot to the city, Kawhi meant a lot to the city, and what he did was received extremely personally by the fans. It’s something that someone from the outside looking in will never fully understand, imo.
It’s still ridiculous his contract hasnt been voided
hell no, he lied the entire time and made us look bad; meanwhile he was tampering with the Clippers.
Spurs went from the “gold standard” to a tanking team because of him.
fuck him, we don’t need him.
Yeah you tanked and got a generational prospect boo-hoo. I think 22 out of 30 teams would be envious of the Spurs since 2018.
A lot of salary to match tho? Who would go? Vassel and Fox + picks?
I did not think that far tbh. If I had to guess Fox + picks but spurs aren’t really the over reaction type especially after this season
The Clippers also have Garland and Wagler, they don’t need Fox or his contract
Fox goes to a 3rd team? Not sure if there are teams that want him though.
the “will he, won’t he” during the 2018 regular season was painful
Spurs would be tricky. It’d have to be a three team trade for it to make any sense.
From a pure legality perspective it’s possible for a 2 team trade to happen where the spurs send out Barnes and Olynyk via sign and trade deals with just 1 year fully guaranteed alongside a contract like Keldon and attach picks for value.
With that said there’s no fucking shot the spurs are trading for Kawhi Leonard lol
The clippers would never do that
first 5 words.
From a pure legality standpoint, kawhi and Bogdanovic for Fox and Wemby works.
I understand, but from a pure legality point, is there not other more realistic trades they could do?
Kawhi for Caris Levert or Jimmy Butler with a Torn ACL work too.
Clippers probably aren’t trading Kawhi honestly. I’m sure teams are interested but no team is going to put their entire future into him
Yeah it’s just fan fiction
Cool but when are him and the Clippers being punished for circumventing the cap?
Shh don’t mention that 😅
Also, is there any chance Kawhi gets punished? Because that matters a lot here.
Kawhi on the Pistons is scary af
Don’t give me hope.
his former teams… the Pacers?!
It’s San Diego State.
kawhi back on the spurs would be so funny man
Spurs fans quickly deleting years of negative Kawhi comments. But it makes sense, Wemby looked like he needed someone who could takeover iso so he can take a breather and he needs someone to lead the clutch ag least for now
You would have Wemby lead the clutch over Kahwai? That’s crazy talk lol.
There’s no way.
Hey man, if he helps take pressure off Wemby, he could help you guys win literally next year
Think about all those close moments against the Knicks, thats the moments Kawhi lives for and you’d know more than me as a Spurs fan
Would like to see him and Uncle Dennis apologize to the fans and kiss and make up though
More like Bobby is just completely making shit up here lol.
Kings waive DeMar. Raptors sign DeMar and then trade him for Kawhi.
So it is written.
Id laugh my ass off
kawhi bby you can do the funniest thing (go to the spurs) lol
Kawhi and Wemby on the same team would be insane.
That said, given how it ended between Spurs and Kawhi, I can’t see either party being interested in a reunion, so I would guess Toronto.
The spurs have no issues with Kawhi, no one from that team is around player wise and front office trying to win, it’s mainly the fan base.
I’m pretty sure it was more a front office thing where the Spurs weren’t giving Kawhi the superstar treatment, so, Kawhi and Uncle Dennis just said the Spurs mishandled Kawhi’s knee injury. Then as we all know the rest is Raptors Championship history.
Popovich interrupted a game to tell the fans to stop booing Kawhi. The org would bring him back for the right price.
The fans would fall in line once the wins started coming in (if the wins didn’t happen then it’d be a hilarious scene). Plus, I’d shit on the Spurs too if a company were offering me $50m to do so.
Kawhi and pop are ok now. All the old teammates are gone. I wouldn’t be surprised if pop and kawhi hash it out and kawhi is open to the idea. Best chance for another ring and the weirdest career in nba history lol
No thanks
Him on the Spurs would be hilarious but also a good fit
Yall remember Pablo?
Prigioni?
Goated
Kawhi can’t be suspended for cap circumvention so it’s pretty irrelevant to teams that want to acquire him.
He absolutely can, and his contract can be voided like what happened with Minny’s attempt to circumvent the cap
No he cannot. The CBA only allows team personnel to be suspended, not players. His contract can also only be voided as it relates to the team committing cap circumvention, not a team that subsequently acquired him via trade.
Silver won’t do anything without a “smoking gun” so unless someone in Aspiration says “Yeah we did that shit” nothing will happen
“It was me, Adam. I did that shit.”
Kawhi for Wemby. Spurs win the deal cause they get a 2 time NBA Finals winner.
Please no, the one and done was the perfect story book ending.
I think it’s the Raptors.
Spurs are good enough to not have to make bets. They just went to the finals with an MVP candidate.
Raps lost in 7 first round but have watched all the teams around them improve and have to rely on internal growth, with a full cap sheet and more tradable pieces.
I just think that while neither team is desperate, one team is certainly more ready to make a move to improve itself. Raps will almost certainly try to consolidate some of the talent soon.
Raps need a fuggin centre lmao
So…is the cap circumvention investigation over? Was supposed to be done all-star break, nothing. Obviously no draft picks lost. And now looks like contract will not be voided if they’re talking about trading him.
Edit: “contract” not “control”
that and they just glossed over the fact the Clippers were tampering with Kawhi in 2017, still no punishment has been given.
Oh boy, new rumour nonsense…
Would be ironic if he went back to SA. Him forcing his way out was the first domino to fall in getting Wemby.
He was playing the long game, now he’s gonna team up with Wemby to cruise for a couple more chips
Either team would be fucking nuts with him on it lol
Kawhi agli spurs sarebbe la cosa piu assurda nella storia della nba a dire il vero
Fox’s new contract extension in year 1 matches Kawhi’s expiring contract exactly.. just saying 😅
Can you imagine if the raptors traded for Kawhi again after the 2019 free agency debacle
Kawine and Dine back on the menu?
Kawhi for Fox let’s goooo
lol Windy be quiet she’s not talking to you “DETROIT DETROIT DETROIT”
can have shit in detroit?
Kawhi does not want to be a Piston. Cmon man don’t attach our name to this shit
Bron back to the Cavs or Heat, Kawhi back to the Spurs…
my favorite player with wemby 😮💨 . hope this happens
NO. Kawhi and the Clippers should be penalised heavily and they shouldn’t be able to make moves given the bullshit they pulled when everyone is operating with their hands tieds to the back due to the fuckin CBA
Kawhi on the Spurs would be fantastic. The Spurs needed a reliable closer (its gonna be Dylan Harper, but he is not there yet) and Kawhi remains one of the best in the NBA.
Just anywhere but the clippers. Please
If the clippers weren’t locked into garland this could have been a hilarious way to move off the Fox deal more quickly
Dude, the Spurs can get Kawhi back for Fox you do it, they need a closer & kawhi can get it done
Its not kawhi as a player that we have a problem with, his production is still elite even with all the injuries and limited minutes.
However its the surrounding poison chalice that is a problem. We don’t want unc dennis to talk sweet nothing to ron harper, we don’t want unc dennis to demand shit behind the back. Chances are he didnt learn anything from all the Aspiration shit because well there isnt any punishment for it.
Some? There are only two.. so, both?
Raptors, you gotta do it. Bring him and Powell back. Let’s get another chip
Detroit makes the most sense
When we going to hear about Aspiration?
How is he being monitored by “some” of his former teams (plural)?
Kawhi for Ingram and Poeltl and a 1st round pick
A lot of trees planted in Detroit
As much as I hate kawhi for what he did to the spurs, I would welcome him back with open arms. Call it an abusive relationship or whatever he broke my heart but I’d take him back instantly and buy his jersey asap
“Some of”
Like this dude has a Rolodex of old teams. Just fuckin say Toronto and San Antonio
Spurs would be a HELL of a move, it would be the end of the first act for Wemby, like the early David Robinson years for Duncan. Maximize each mini-window of his career.
If I am the Spurs I do it. You guys were like 99.9% there.
I’m sorry, but I’d be at least a little annoyed if Kawhi left after 2019, leaving a ton of “what ifs”, only to return years later when that team has already been gutted and entered a new direction.
Dearon fox for Kawhi, sheeet
Pistons and Raptors it is ig, Spurs only have Fox to match his contract and idt Clippers want/need him with Garland and Wagler around.
LeBron to Cleveland. Kawhi to Toronto
The Jay’s stay in Boston
Giannis in Miami
Return of Hali
Knicks defending.
The East becomes what the West used to be.
Spurs/OKC continue battling as Luka and Jokic try to figure them out eventually leading to them teaming up.
The NBA is scripted. I wrote it.
I sure as shit don’t want the Spurs picks at all unless they own someone else’s and send those ones. They’re gonna win 55-65 games the next bunch of seasons.
he’s yours raptors.
Marks just makes shit up
Lol spurs fans booed this man every time he stepped in the building, now they want him back
Like LeBron and the return to Cleveland lol
He’s not leaving the bay area. He left a championship team as the Finals MVP to play for the Clippers because he wanted to live in LA. He has no reason to chase anything.
TIL the bay area is in LA
Send his ass to Detroit. He’d hate it there
Spurs receive: Leonard, Beal
Clippers receive: Vassel, Bryant, Johnson, 27 ATL 1st, 28 BOS 1st and 31 SAC 1st.
A whole lot of nothing. Clippers don’t leak.
Zero, zero, zero chance he ends up back in San Antonio. If there was beyond zero, I would say that. He absolutely means the Raptors.
Kawhi on the pistons would be scary if he stays healthy.
Come on Portland, pick up the phone
Pistons supposed to pay Duren or trade for Leonard… pick one because it can’t be both.