Kawhi Leonard Trade Rumors: Spurs Asked 76ers for 3 1st-Round Picks, 2 Players

Eric Gay/Associated Press

The San Antonio Spurs reportedly set a steep asking price during negotiations with the Philadelphia 76ers over a potential Kawhi Leonard trade. 

According to Yahoo Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Spurs sought three first-round draft picks and two members of the Sixers roster in return for Leonard.

Schultz didn't provide specifics as to the two Sixers players discussed but added Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons weren't part of the proposed deal.

The allure of potentially landing Leonard is obvious for Philadelphia. When healthy, Leonard is a top-five player in the NBA and would help the Sixers climb to the top of the Eastern Conference.

The presence of the two-time Defensive Player of the Year could also increase the team's chances of signing the top star on the free-agent market. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported LeBron James' representatives were with Sixers officials Sunday, and the New York Times' Marc Stein reported the team hoped to use a Leonard trade to entice James.

As good as Leonard is, there may not be a robust trade market for his services. He can opt out of his contract after next season, and only so many teams have the kind of assets the Spurs will look to recoup.

Wojnarowski reported Thursday the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics had spoken with San Antonio about a trade, and USA Today's Sam Amick reported the possibility of a "Godfather Lakers offer."

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Depending on how much they are willing to surrender, the Sixers could put together one of the strongest trade packages for the Spurs. Philadelphia could send some combination of Markelle Fultz, Zhaire Smith and Dario Saric to San Antonio, along with a few draft picks. In addition to their own first-rounders, the Sixers acquired the Miami Heat's unprotected 2021 first-rounder from the Phoenix Suns on the night of the 2018 NBA draft.