NBA Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz on Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan
The NBA offseason is in full swing for 26 teams as the conference finals continue to unfold, and a recent stream of rumors suggests there could be some big names on the move this summer.
Below we'll break down the latest trade buzz on Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan and San Antonio Spurs swingman Kawhi Leonard as speculation continues to swirl about their futures with the only teams they have known since arriving in the NBA.
Raptors Reportedly Open to Dealing DeRozan?
The Toronto Raptors already made one drastic change this offseason by firing Dwane Casey following the team's second-round playoff exit.
Now it appears team president Masai Ujiri and the rest of the front office could be contemplating a major shakeup.
According to the New York Times' Marc Stein, the Raptors "quietly explored their DeMar DeRozan trade options last summer." Stein "fully" expects them to do the same in the coming months, adding he believes the front office will assess the trade market for "anyone and everyone on the roster."
It may sound drastic that the Raptors could part ways with DeRozan, a four-time All-Star and the team's leading scorer last season, but it's hard to see other viable avenues for the club to make a big change.
Toronto's capped out, with $126 million in guaranteed salaries on the books for next season, according to Basketball Insiders, and a lack of financial wiggle room means Ujiri and Co. won't be active players on the free-agent market.
In other words, it behooves the Raptors to, at the very least, gauge the market for DeRozan as they attempt to break out of a postseason rut.
Sixers Eyeing Kawhi?
The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to make a big move.
That much has become clear following their second-round loss to the Boston Celtics.
"I feel like another high-level free agent is required, and I think we have the ability to attract one," Sixers head coach Brett Brown said at his season-ending press conference.
And while the Sixers plan to pursue impending free agents Paul George and LeBron James, per the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey, they could also entertain the idea of piecing together a trade package for disgruntled San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard.
Citing sources, Pompey reported the Sixers "have expressed interest in the two-time all-star."
It's unclear what the Spurs would be seeking as compensation for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. However, it could be worth seriously entertaining trade offers considering Leonard is entering the final year of his deal and, by all accounts, is looking to make a move to a bigger market.
According to ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne and Michael C. Wright, the Spurs "have grown worried that Leonard's group has an ulterior motive to fray the relationship and get Leonard traded to a larger market such as Los Angeles (Leonard's hometown) or New York or Philadelphia."
The Sixers are barred from mentioning Leonard's name publicly given the league's tempering rules, but general manager Bryan Colangelo said he will explore a trade if it can help vault the team toward title contention.
"We need to add something to get better," Colangelo said, per NBC Sports Philadelphia. "If the right deal comes along, we'll be certain to pursue it."
