Cavs Rumors: Cleveland To Pursue Trade For Kawhi Leonard This Offseason?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a crucial offseason this summer with LeBron James' future with the franchise in question, and obviously, the Cavs are expected to do whatever they can to ensure he re-signs with the team.

Cleveland has held onto the Brooklyn Nets' first-round pick they required in the Kyrie Irving trade to protect their future should James leave, but there's also a chance they use that to trade for a superstar if James chooses to stay.

One player who fits that criteria is Kawhi Leonard, and given the ongoing saga between him and the San Antonio Spurs, there's a chance he could be on the trade block this summer. Should that happen, King James Gospel expects the Cavs to make a run at Leonard.

Kawhi is a free agent after next season, and if the Spurs view that he might be on his way out, they’d be able to get a fantastic deal if Cleveland is willing to depart with the Nets pick.

Leonard is a stellar defender, securing Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons. He’s also been a top three candidate in the NBA’s last three MVP award races. If Leonard would commit to staying in Cleveland following next season, the Spurs and Cavs would certainly be able to work something out.

Leonard has reportedly been medically cleared to play and is choosing to sit out, causing some friction between himself and the team. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said last month that he would be "surprised" if Leonard played again this season and a players-only meeting was held last week to implore the All-Star to return.

Leonard, who averaged 25.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game last season, will be an unrestricted free agent in 2019.

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Related Topics: Cavs Rumors, NBA Rumors, Kawhi Leonard