San Antonio Spurs: CJ McCollum thinks Kawhi Leonard joins Los Angeles

By Rob Wolkenbrod | May 5, 2018

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the game against the Golden State Warriors during Game One of the Western Conference Finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum thinks Kawhi Leonard will depart the San Antonio Spurs and join one of the Los Angeles teams.

It’s not difficult to find speculation on who the San Antonio Spurs could trade Kawhi Leonard to this offseason. Dwyane Wade thinks it’s the Boston Celtics, while Gregg Popovich reportedly will not consider moving his star player to a Western Conference rival.

Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum became the latest player to give his take on the Leonard saga. According to SlamOnline.com, McCollum told the Pull Up podcast, he thinks Leonard will join Los Angeles, although whether it’s the Clippers or Lakers was not cited.

Like Wade, the former Lehigh star believes the Celtics will be in the mix, too:

“I’m willing to bet based on the rumors of bigger markets—you hear people say L.A., which is what I think will happen. You also hear whispers about the Sixers, whispers about the New York Knicks. Another sleeper could potentially be the Boston Celtics.

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Either way, McCollum does not think Leonard remains a Spur in the future:

“I think, based on what we’ve seen, there’s a high likelihood that he will no longer be with the franchise in the future. High likelihood.”

The Clippers and Lakers were both speculated as potential destinations for the San Diego State product, who’s from the Southern California area. It would be a return home and to an area he’s familiar with.

As for a potential trade package, it could take one or both of the Clippers’ 2018 first-round picks, along with a player or two involved from the roster. The Lakers might need to wrap a deal around Brandon Ingram or Kyle Kuzma to get Leonard, with a first-round pick and/or another player to make this happen.

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Leonard’s future will be a top talking point this offseason. Whether it gets resolved remains to be seen and should be something Spurs fans follow throughout the summer.

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