4 logical landing spots for Kawhi

Kawhi Leonard reportedly wants out of San Antonio, but nothing about a potential Leonard blockbuster is easy.

First of all, whoever trades for Leonard has to be fairly certain about the answers to two crucial questions: Will the team be able to re-sign him when he (presumably) declines his player option and hits free agency next summer? And for how long will the effects of Leonard's injury-plagued 2017-18 season last? No team wants to trade top lottery picks or young, blue-chip talent for a one-year rental - or worse, give up those assets and sign Leonard to a max contract, only to discover that the new $150-million man can't stay on the floor.

The Spurs' hands are forced. As with Paul George's much-publicized intent to leave the Indiana Pacers a year ahead of free agency, the leaking of Leonard's endgame at this early juncture removes almost all of the Spurs' leverage; if they don't move Leonard between now and next season's trade deadline, they will almost certainly lose their generational talent for absolutely nothing.

One remaining gamble is to delay a move and hope to mend bridges. Considering how contentious this season has appeared between the two sides, this option would appear to be a long shot at best. Keeping a dissatisfied Leonard in San Antonio through the start of next season is likely to generate more resentment and bitterness, further tainting a franchise that has usually been the picture of quiet, workmanlike dependability.

The only other bargaining chip the Spurs have is the Godfather offer - the $219-million designated veteran extension - the so-called super-max contract - reserved for players who meet certain award criteria. There are conflicting reports over where Leonard stands on the possibility of signing that specific contract, an offer only the Spurs can extend. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Leonard had been interested in the possibility, but according to ESPN's Chris Haynes, sources indicated Leonard was not afraid of leaving that potential windfall on the table.

For all of the reasons outlined, the list of logical trade partners with San Antonio isn't particularly long, but some candidates have already emerged as possible suitors:

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are reported to be Leonard's preferred destination, and the team has a lot to offer him - a chance to play in his hometown in one of North America's largest media markets and a team built to bring in multiple All-Star-quality players at once this summer.

With a presumably high likelihood that Leonard would re-sign on a long-term deal, the Lakers could be the team with the most to offer the Spurs, both in terms of draft capital and young talent. But it would require the Spurs trading their best player to a historic rival. If the Spurs can swallow the bitter pill of trading Leonard in the first place, however, extracting the highest return should supersede battle lines.

A package featuring a selection of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and/or Kyle Kuzma is a reasonable ask from the Spurs, given each of them is still a ways away from putting it all together on the court. Additionally, the Lakers have the No. 25 pick in this year's draft and their own first-rounder in 2019.

Either package of recent blue-chippers is steep, but if it means fielding a starting lineup of Leonard, LeBron James, and George, for instance, it's not as though the Ingrams and Kuzmas currently populating the Lakers' roster will have much room to develop anyway.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics reportedly offered a trade for Leonard at this year's trade deadline; the Spurs shot the offer down and didn't counter. Things have changed slightly for Boston since February, with the team's young core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart, and All-Star Al Horford leading the team to the Eastern Conference finals with both Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward shut down with injury. However, general manager Danny Ainge blew up the 2016-17 Celtics despite similarly great results, and now that the Spurs have been forced back to the negotiating table, the Celtics may have a chance to land Leonard.

Irving has raised eyebrows (unfairly) for balking at the notion of signing his next extension right now, but that's indicative of his ability to significantly increase his maximum earning potential if he holds off until next season, rather than discontent with the team.

Still, Irving and Leonard have identical contract terms in length, salary figures, and player options for 2019-20, making a one-for-one swap relatively simple. The Spurs were reportedly one of the four preferred trade destinations for Irving last summer when news of his discontent with his standing with the Cleveland Cavaliers reached a fever pitch, so perhaps it's not too late to make that happen.

The Celtics would be giving up their best backcourt player, but who needs a backcourt when you have a lineup of Leonard, Brown, Tatum, Hayward, and Horford, able to switch everything one-through-five? With shooting, passing, and defense, that's a lineup that would give the Golden State Warriors headaches.

Philadelphia 76ers

Like the Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers will likely be on the hunt to add a LeBron James or Paul George to their cohort. It's a delicate balance, as the team is already on its way to sustained year-to-year success by just building around Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, but for the chance to take yet another leap forward - and keep pace with the Celtics atop the East - don't count the Sixers out.

Has Markelle Fultz's stock fallen enough over the past year for the 2017 No. 1 pick to be just part of a package for Leonard, rather than the central piece? Fultz and Dario Saric, plus cheap salary ballast (pick any three of Justin Anderson, Richaun Holmes, Furkan Korkmaz, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, or T.J. McConnell) balance the books. Fultz and Saric are a lot to give up, but the Sixers would still have over $20 million in cap room to add a second big name. A starting lineup of Simmons, Leonard, Robert Covington, Joel Embiid, and a second All-Star would immediately elevate the team to contender status.

Los Angeles Clippers

Thanks to their locale, the Los Angeles Clippers are also on Leonard's reported list of preferred landing spots, though it's hard to see a deal making sense on the Spurs' end.

The Clippers are short on blue-chip talent, and the players currently on large-figure contracts don't fit with the Spurs' current roster needs or championship motivations. Tobias Harris, under contract through next summer at just $14.8 million, isn't a major needle-mover and might not even be inclined to re-sign in San Antonio, but the Spurs need to take nearly $20 million of salary back and they have no need for DeAndre Jordan or the oft-injured Danilo Gallinari.

So, Harris plus a haul of draft picks, starting with the Clippers' No. 12 and No. 13 picks this year, is a modest return. For the Clippers to really get involved, they'd probably have to find a third team to help sweeten the pot.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)