Report: Clippers planning trade package for Leonard should he become available
If the San Antonio Spurs put Kawhi Leonard on the trade block, the Los Angeles Clippers will be prepared.
Los Angeles is among many teams keeping tabs on the Leonard saga and is planning a trade package should he become available, a source told USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick.
The elite two-way small forward hails from California and is a favorite of Clippers consultant Jerry West. Los Angeles finished 10th in the Western Conference this season and has two first-round picks in June's draft it could use to sweeten a package for Leonard, who finished third in MVP voting last year.
Leonard is away from San Antonio rehabbing a quadriceps injury that's limited him to just nine games this season. He was not with the Spurs on Saturday when they were blown out in their first-round series opener against the Golden State Warriors, 113-92.
Related: Green says Kawhi still in pain, suffered 'couple of setbacks'
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year was cleared by Spurs doctors in February but remains out indefinitely until his independent medical staff indicates he's ready to play. The distance of his rehab - Leonard's believed to be in New York - and uncertainty of his return to the lineup has reportedly caused a rift between his camp and the Spurs.
The drama has led to speculation that San Antonio could move its superstar, with general managers around the NBA expected to inquire about him this summer.
Related: Spurs reportedly held players-only meeting urging Kawhi to return
Leonard, 26, is owed $20 million next season and could decline his player option for 2019-20 to become an unrestricted free agent. He's eligible for a super-max contract extension this summer, and said last month he "for sure" plans to finish his career with the Spurs. The 2014 Finals MVP averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and two steals in limited action this year.