NBA trade news: Huge Kawhi Leonard to Lakers update, Kevin Durant makes LeBron James claim
NBA trade news - The offseason is in full swing with teams aiming to build their roster for the upcoming season and here is the latest from around the league.
Kawhi Leonard isn't likely to re-sign for Toronto says pundit
Kawhi Leonard is warming up to the idea of playing for the Toronto Raptors - but he is still eyeing a move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The San Antonio Spurs traded the small forward and Danny Green to Toronto for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 first-round pick.
Leonard, 27, was expected to join the Lakers, however, the Spurs had other ideas.
The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year can leave the Raptors next summer due to a player option in his current contract.
I thought it was the perfect decision, perfect move
And ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says Leonard favours a move to LA next summer, however, he’s open to the idea of playing in Toronto this season.
“The one thing I was told today, he’s starting to warm to the idea that he’s going to a contender,” he said.
“He’s got a team that can be as good as anybody in the Eastern Conference, and now it’s on Toronto to try to recruit him, keep him.
“But, in his mind right now, he’s headed to L.A. next year.”
Kevin Durant has hailed LeBron James following his move to the Lakers.
James, 33, quit his hometown side Cleveland in favour of a move to LA, with the small forward penning a four-year deal.
And Golden State superstar Durant, who has been slammed for leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Warriors, says James’ move makes sense.
"I loved it. I absolutely loved it," Durant told The Undefeated.
"I thought it was the perfect decision, perfect move. He did everything you're supposed to do in Cleveland. I think this is the perfect next step for him.
"He's kind of breaking down the barriers of what an NBA superstar is supposed to be.
"You feel like you're supposed to play it out in one spot, and I think he did a good job of giving you different chapters and it's going to make his book even more interesting when it's done."