Report: Kawhi talked to Spurs officials at funeral for Pop's wife

The distance between Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs is starting to close as the two sides head into a pivotal summer.

Although he only played nine games across a contentious and disappointing season, Leonard has been in touch with Spurs trainers and officials throughout the year. Recently, he met with team representatives during the funeral service for Gregg Popovich's wife, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports said on the Chris Mannix Show.

"Kawhi Leonard didn't necessarily go rogue, despite all the reports. He was working out with San Antonio staffers during the season and now going into the summer, his rehab has continued," Charania explained.

"He's been around. He went to Gregg Popovich's wife's service shortly after the season ended. People close to him, they made it clear he was there. He interacted with Spurs' officials, with staffers."

Leonard, however, has yet to sit down formally with the team, but there is a meeting in the works. The Spurs plan to hash out any problems and misconceptions before potentially presenting a five-year super-max contract worth upward of $220 million.

Leonard was groomed to be the Spurs' next franchise player following Tim Duncan's retirement, but his extended rehab program over his injured quad created tension. Popovich was initially patient but grew more pointed as the season dragged on, and he eventually said Leonard's return would be contingent on what "his group" permits.

- with h/t to RealGM