Sixers

We Reportedly Know the Spurs’ Demands in a Sixers Trade for Kawhi Leonard

By Russ Joy

Published: Jul 1st, 2018 · 8:05 PM EDT

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Remember the report that the Sixers had considered a package of Robert Covington, Dario Saric, and the 2021 first round pick from Miami? Well, as many opined, that might not be enough:

In exchange for Kawhi Leonard, the #Spurs asked the #76ers for three future first-round draft choices and two current players, per a source familiar with the negotiations. Source would not comment yet on which current players SA asked for. https://t.co/t7X5AIIiR6

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 1, 2018

There’s chatter on Spurs Twitter that San Antonio’s starting point in a Kawhi Leonard trade should be Ben Simmons. Not happening.

Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were NOT a part of the #Spurs’ ask from the #76ers in exchange for Kawhi Leonard, per a source familiar with the negotiations. https://t.co/olOQGJCCgl

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 1, 2018

So let’s ponder a moment. What would three firsts and two players look like?

Covington, Saric, 2019 Sixers’ 1st round pick, 2021 Miami 1st round pick, 2021 Sixers’ 1st round pick?

Could the Spurs be holding out for Markelle Fultz? Woj reported earlier today that the Sixers’ only untouchables in a trade are Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Markelle Fultz.

Elsewhere in the league, there are conflicting reports on Kawhi and LeBron. One common theme is the Lakers’ reluctance to go all-in on Kawhi without a commitment from LeBron James. Some believe that LA could decide to keep their assets and pursue Leonard in free agency in 2019.

Adrian Woj on ESPN: “The Lakers feel like they are in good shape. LA wants to be able to get the commitment from LeBron and start building a team around him. If they get a commitment, you’ll see LA get more aggressive with the Spurs trying to get Kawhi.”

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 1, 2018

Windhorst suggesting Lakers would have been more aggressive going after Kawhi if LeBron was giving them the message that he needs him in LA to sign on

— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) July 1, 2018

This is accurate. If LA doesn’t land him…Kawhi would entertain the possibility of staying with #Sixers beyond next season … #Spurs https://t.co/gOYVc9pF7E

— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) July 1, 2018

I don’t think I’m going to sleep until this is resolved.