Spurs want Jayson Tatum, Boston more likely to offer Kyrie Irving in Kawhi Leonard trade talks


As reported earlier today, the San Antonio Spurs have been engaging with the Boston Celtics in trade talks surrounding Kawhi Leonard.

More information has surfaced around the details being discussed, and according to Sports Illustrated, the Spurs are pushing for Jayson Tatum to be included in a deal, while the Celtics are more likely to offer Kyrie Irving:

San Antonio has informed teams its preferred target in any Leonard trade is the Celtics' Jayson Tatum, sources say. Teams have noted this is likely a negotiating tactic, and it’s widely believed in league circles Boston is more likely to propose a deal centered around Kyrie Irving and future picks. But based on previous behavior, the Celtics are unlikely to overpay for Leonard.



Adrian Wojnarowski has already made it fairly clear that the Celtics do not want to sacrifice their young talent and give up too much for a potential rental, especially one with a history of injuries, which is consistent with the report earlier today that Jaylen Brown was not among the pieces being discussed during negotiations. So the Celtics will also likely decline any proposition that includes Tatum.



It was also hypothesized that the Celtics are continuing to engage with San Antonio as a means to drive up the asking price for their historic rivals the Los Angeles Lakers, and make Magic Johnson sacrifice far too much in their pursuit of Kawhi. So Danny likely isn't serious about making these deals.



Personally, I'd prefer to keep the current core intact, and see Danny Ainge hang up the phone on these types of requests, or just say "hell to the naw."

Photo:ESPN

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