NBA Draft Rumors: Kings Discussed Trading No. 2 Pick; Kawhi Leonard Linked

The Sacramento Kings could reportedly join the trade sweepstakes for San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard by including the second overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft as part of their offer.  

On Friday, Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports listed the Kings as a team to watch because they "desperately want an established star" and Leonard could fit the bill after Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News reported Leonard informed the Spurs of his desire to get traded.

The 26-year-old Los Angeles native would prefer a trade to his hometown, with the Lakers edging the Clippers atop the wish list, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Leonard doesn't possess a no-trade clause in his contract, however, which means he holds no formal control over his landing spot if San Antonio does decide to deal him. He only has one guaranteed year left on his deal before he can opt out to become an unrestricted free agent.

The question becomes whether the Kings, or another potential suitor, would be willing to give up major assets without a long-term commitment from the two-time All-Star selection.

Bill Simmons of The Ringer explained why Sacramento might be willing to take the risk:

Meanwhile, the No. 2 pick in a draft class with plenty of high-end talent at the top could intrigue the Spurs, who are going the need a new franchise cornerstone.

If the Phoenix Suns select Arizona center DeAndre Ayton first, San Antonio would get to choose from a group headlined by Duke power forward Marvin Bagley III, Real Madrid shooting guard Luka Doncic and Oklahoma point guard Trae Young with the next pick.

So it's the type of deal that could turn into a win-win situation for the Spurs and Kings if Sacramento can find a way to lock Leonard into a long-term extension before he hits the open market.