Spurs Rumors: 76ers interested in Kawhi Leonard trade

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons on December 30, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons on December 30, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

In the latest chapter of the Kawhi Leonard saga, the Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly interested in the San Antonio Spurs star.

According to Keith Pompey of Philly.com, the Philadelphia 76ers have expressed trade interest in San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard. He has a “great” relationship with Sixers coach Brett Brown, who held an assistant role behind Gregg Popovich in San Antonio.

Philadelphia joins both Los Angeles franchises as the rumored teams with trade interest. Like the Clippers and Lakers, the Sixers have assets to send in a deal which arguably matches or exceeds what Magic Johnson and Pelinka can offer in Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and picks.

Markelle Fultz potentially starts any deal for Leonard. The No. 1 overall pick in 2017, Fultz only played 14 games in 2017-18 due to shoulder injuries and a broken jumpshot. Brown sat him for most of the postseason, which saw the 76ers lose in five games to the Boston Celtics.

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Dario Saric is another young, controllable asset. His size and shooting and rebound abilities would be an interesting fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge.

Philadelphia also has two 2018 first-round picks at their disposal, one of which will be in the lottery via the Michael Carter-Williams trade from earlier this decade. Could either of them make their way into a proposal?

This latest Leonard link is just the latest in what will be an offseason-long saga. There’s no sign of its end, whether it’s another heart-to-heart or trade conversations, something that may not start until the 2018 NBA Draft nears, given how hectic that point of the offseason is for teams.

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft: SAS edition

If it’s the 76ers, Clippers, Lakers or another team, there will be plenty in the mix for Leonard. The question is, will the Spurs trade their would-be Tim Duncan replacement and change the course of the franchise?

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