The best haul the San Antonio Spurs can get on a potential Kawhi Leonard trade might come from the Los Angeles Lakers after all.
Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics haven't offered rising sophomore wing Jaylen Brown for the Spurs' disgruntled superstar, sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe.
The Philadelphia 76ers have also kept 2017 No.1 overall pick Markelle Fultz out of any possible package for Leonard, according to Lowe's sources.
They both have superstar potential, and without Fultz and Brown on the table, San Antonio's best bet at nabbing a player with an All-Star ceiling could be a deal centered around one of the Lakers' young pieces, namely Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, or Josh Hart (Brandon Ingram has reportedly not been offered, according to Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times).
Brown's numbers through his first two seasons compare favorably to Leonard's production early in his career, as both were excellent, versatile defenders and reliable three-point shooters from the corners during their first two years in the league. Leonard has, of course, blossomed into an all-around superstar, and if Brown maintains his upward trajectory he could hit the same level, helping to keep Boston in championship contention for years.
While we have yet to see what Fultz will develop into due to his shoulder injury this past season, Philly's decision to withhold him from trade talks signals they believe he can be the final piece in a big three of himself, Ben Simmons, and Joel Embiid.
