Fansided

Kawhi Leonard’s rehab creating tension with the Spurs

By Brad Berreman

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2018 in New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2018 in New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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Kawhi Leonard has had an injury-plagued season, and it’s reportedly causing some tension between him and the San Antonio Spurs.

Kawhi Leonard has only played nine games this season, as his start was delayed by a right quad injury and a left shoulder issue sidelined him more recently. But the quad issue has resurfaced again, and Leonard is out indefinitely as he rehabs from tendinopathy.

The San Antonio Spurs are the model for long-term success and stability in the NBA, with star players that are happy to stay. But according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Michael C. Wright, Leonard’s camp is “distant” and “disconnected” from the organization and the circumstances surrounding his quad injury has had a “chilling impact” on his relationship with the team.

In November, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said he has never encountered a quad injury like Leonard’s. Considering the apparent tension in the situation, that may have been a code phrase shedding light on something beyond the pure severity of the injury.

As expected, Spurs general manager RC Buford denied the reported discord in an interview with ESPN.

"There is no issue between the Spurs organization and Kawhi,” Buford said. “From Day 1 all parties have worked together to find the best solutions to his injury.”This has been difficult for everyone,” Buford told ESPN. “It’s been difficult for Kawhi. He’s an elite-level player. It’s been difficult for the team, because they want to play with a great teammate. And it’s been difficult for our staff. Historically we’ve been able to successfully manage injuries. This rehab hasn’t been simple and it hasn’t gone in a linear fashion."

Leonard is expected to return this season, as the Spurs try to stay toward the top of the standings. With a 30-18 record entering Monday, but a 4-6 mark in their last 10 games, the Minnesota Timberwolves have caught San Antonio for third place in the conference.

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Leonard is due to make a shade over $20 million next season, with a $21.3 million player option for 2019-20. It’s probably a long way from that point, but a 15 percent trade kicker would make that move unlikely. But if he’s truly disconnected, and perhaps not happy with how his relationship with the Spurs is going, Leonard does have the ability to hit the open market just after his 28th birthday in the summer of 2019.

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