Clippers need to understand Stephon Castle truth of Kawhi Leonard trade to Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are just a few weeks removed from losing in the NBA Finals, and they are already in the middle of offseason trade rumors. The LA Clippers could potentially look to trade Kawhi Leonard this summer, and he is only reportedly interested in re-signing with two teams: The Spurs and the Toronto Raptors.

However, if the Clippers want to trade Leonard to the Spurs, they need to know one thing: Stephon Castle is off the table. Dylan Harper (and Victor Wembanyama) is, too, but that should be obvious. LA would likely ask for Castle. They would want him in a deal. But that’s not happening.

The Spurs must make sure of it.

Spurs cannot trade Stephon Castle for Kawhi Leonard

Leonard spent some of the most impressive years of his career in San Antonio, obviously, highlighted by a Finals MVP award in 2014. And even though it didn’t end pretty, perhaps there could still be a pathway back.

After a year in Toronto, Leonard made his way to LA, where he’s been ever since. And right now, Leonard is coming off what may be the best regular season of his career.

In 65 regular-season appearances this past year, Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals while shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from deep on 6.8 three-point attempts per contest.

He was incredible. He carried the team. He put the Clippers on his back and helped them climb all the way up from the depths of the West into the Play-In Tournament.

Adding him to the lineup alongside Victor Wembanyama – even for just a couple of seasons – would be very, very intriguing. He’d be the shot-creator San Antonio needs.d

But there needs to be a line in the sand. Wembanyama obviously won’t be traded. Harper cannot be in the deal, either. And finally, though the Clippers will undoubtedly ask, the Spurs cannot trade Castle.

That’s the Spurs’ future. Harper, Wembanyama, and Castle. That’s the key to everything moving forward. Giving any of them up for an aging Leonard would be a terrible idea.

So, as the Spurs navigate what could potentially be a very intriguing Leonard trade saga, that needs to be the line. Castle. He cannot be part of any potential package San Antonio sends the Clippers’ way.

They can ask as much as they want, but the Spurs cannot trade Castle. Landing Leonard would certainly help put the Spurs in prime position to win it all next year – even moreso than they already are – but there has to be a line.

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