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NBA Rumors: 5 best landing spots for Kawhi Leonard

By Rucker Haringey

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense against the Dallas Mavericks on February 23, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense against the Dallas Mavericks on February 23, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on February 28, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on February 28, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

2. Boston Celtics

In the midst of all the drama about Kyrie Irving’s future in Boston, Danny Ainge has been quietly working the phones in hopes of acquiring one more superstar. Kawhi Leonard probably wasn’t at the top of his list before, but you can be sure he’s trying to cook up a deal now.

Unlike most teams on this list, the Celtics aren’t short of talent on the wing. Their young group of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and hopefully a returning Gordon Hayward has Boston in great shape for the future. Ainge’s goal in a deal for Leonard would be taking his wing rotation from good to great.

It’s very possible Boston is also the team best positioned to make a deal with San Antonio. They could part with someone like Brown and draft compensation to tempt the Spurs into accepting their offer. Brown is an excellent prospect, but he might be relegated to a relatively minor role off the bench next season.

The only question the Celtics have is whether or not acquiring Leonard would end their dreams of bringing Anthony Davis to Boston. Ainge and Co. will have to decide whether or not a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Expect the Celtics to be serious contenders for Leonard if he’s truly available.

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