Watch: Would it make sense for Boston to trade for Kawhi Leonard?
Offseasons are evidently passé for the Boston Celtics, who have rode the trade rumor express into summer, and show no signs of slowing down this week.
Now finding the team connected by many analysts to Kawhi Leonard's trade request after he made it clear he does not wish to return to the San Antonio Spurs less than a week after speculation about a potential LeBron James signing erupted onto the scene after ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed to have information about intentions of James to meet with the Celtics this summer.
The problem with either scenario, however, is a complex one, and while the Leonard situation is probably by far the more realistic of the two, Leonard's looming free agency and the fact that matching salaries would likely require one of Boston's young prospects (Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown) or even an established star like Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, or Al Horford to avoid including a marquee asset like next year's Sacramento Kings/Philadelphia 76ers pick.
Would it make sense to package off a substantial part of the roster that got the Celtics to the brink of the NBA Finals despite being down four key players including two All-Stars? Given Leonard is on record about preferring a Los Angeles team, could he leave after just one season with the Cs? These are not easy questions to answer, so watch the videos below, and let us know what you think.
For more stories by Justin, click here.
Image: Clutchpoints
Video: NBC Boston
Follow Justin at @justinquinnn
The problem with either scenario, however, is a complex one, and while the Leonard situation is probably by far the more realistic of the two, Leonard's looming free agency and the fact that matching salaries would likely require one of Boston's young prospects (Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown) or even an established star like Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, or Al Horford to avoid including a marquee asset like next year's Sacramento Kings/Philadelphia 76ers pick.
Would it make sense to package off a substantial part of the roster that got the Celtics to the brink of the NBA Finals despite being down four key players including two All-Stars? Given Leonard is on record about preferring a Los Angeles team, could he leave after just one season with the Cs? These are not easy questions to answer, so watch the videos below, and let us know what you think.
For more stories by Justin, click here.
Video: NBC Boston
Follow Justin at @justinquinnn
