Report: Spurs engaged in Kawhi trade talks with Celtics, Lakers

The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly engaged in trade talks with several teams - including the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers - regarding Kawhi Leonard, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

It was reported on Wednesday that the Lakers had re-engaged in trade talks with the Spurs for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. This was shortly after the Spurs had reportedly "shut the door" on the Lakers last week, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

Leonard has reportedly made it clear he wants to land in Los Angeles, but San Antonio would reportedly rather send the star forward to the Eastern Conference. This has put pressure on the Lakers' organization to increase their aggression in pursuit of Leonard, as they're certain that landing him clinches LeBron James' commitment to the team in free agency.

The Lakers would likely be forced to offer some combination of Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and future draft picks. They've also been reportedly pursuing draft picks from other teams in hopes of sweetening the pot to get a deal done.

On the other hand, the Celtics have the pieces to immediately compete for a championship after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this past season. In terms of assets, arguably no team can compare to the bevy of trade chips the Celtics can offer, including one of their young stars in Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, or Terry Rozier. They also own four 2019 first-round picks, including the Memphis Grizzlies (protected No. 1-8), L.A. Clippers (lottery protected), the more favorable selection between the Sacramento Kings and Philadelphia 76ers (protected first selection), and their own draft pick.

However, the Celtics are reportedly cautious about the circumstances surrounding Leonard's health, as well as the chance that he bolts to a preferred destination when he becomes a free agent in 2019, according to Wojnarowski.