Proposed NBA Mock Trade Lands Spurs Former Franchise Icon and Infuriates Fans

If the San Antonio Spurs are serious about making a playoff push next season and building a title-winning core around Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle, then it’s hard to imagine them making a better move than adding Giannis Antetokounmpo, regardless of the cost.

However, the Giannis sweepstakes will involve every team in the NBA, and the Spurs aren’t the only team that can offer the Milwaukee Bucks a massive return for their star.

The Spurs, instead, could build a win-now core without sacrificing their future by chasing a reunion with Kawhi Leonard. Every year, mock trades are published that land Leonard in San Antonio, where he blossomed into a star, although with Wembanyama, Castle, and Fox, the timing has never been better.

This season, the Los Angeles Clippers demonstrated how to get the most out of Kawhi by not playing him until January. They managed to make the playoffs, and he was utterly spectacular.

In the seven-game loss to the Denver Nuggets, Leonard averaged 25 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.8 stocks while shooting 40.5 percent from deep.

Full Mock Trade Details

Spurs Receive: Kawhi Leonard

Clippers Receive: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, 2027 first-round pick (via ATL)

Are Johnson and Barnes long-term pieces of the championship core? By the time Leonard’s contract is up, the Spurs could let him walk and then sign Wembanyama to a massive extension, saving money for Castle to be inked to a deal as well.

A starting five of Fox, Castle, Julian Champagnie, Devin Vassell, and Wembanyama would be good enough to start strong, and then Leonard would join the team, replacing Champagnie in the starting lineup, and allowing the Spurs to be at their best in the playoffs.

Leonard recently reflected on his time with the Spurs playing under Gregg Popovich, and while Spurs fans might not be thrilled to see him back in town, he could win his third career title, although likely not his third Finals MVP, back where it all started.

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Proposed NBA Mock Trade Lands Spurs Former Franchise Icon and Infuriates Fans

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