20 things to look forward to this NBA offseason

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) reacts to a call during the championship game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the USC Trojans and the Arizona Wildcats on March 10, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns

NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 2, 2018 in New York City. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 100-91. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

20. Is Kawhi Leonard headed for a breakup with the Spurs?

It appears as though Kawhi Leonard is ready to break up with the San Antonio Spurs, according to multiple reports.

After Leonard played only nine games this season due to a mysterious quadriceps injury, tensions between him and the team are at an all-time high. In January, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Michael C. Wright reported “months of discord centering on elements of treatment, rehabilitation and timetables for return from a right quadriceps injury have had a chilling impact” on Leonard’s relationship with the Spurs.

Time seemingly hasn’t healed those wounds.

Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News, ESPN.com’s Chris Haynes and Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania simultaneously shared word of Leonard’s desire to be traded on June 15, setting of a whirlwind of speculation leading up to the draft. Leonard reportedly has “Los Angeles — preferably the Lakers — at the center of his preferences for a trade destination,” according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, although bidding may expand beyond the two L.A.-based teams.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported the Lakers, Clippers, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be “the main four teams to pursue Leonard,” but he also mentioned the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns as potentially interested. USA Today’s Sam Amick, meanwhile, reported the Sacramento Kings are likewise “expected to pursue” Leonard.

It’ll be tough for the Spurs to get fair value for Leonard, particularly if he doesn’t express a willingness to re-sign with any non-L.A. team when he becomes a free agent in 2019. Regardless, his reported desire for a trade was the first of many dominoes sure to fall over the coming weeks.

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