San Antonio Spurs Rumors: Is Kawhi Leonard On The Trade Block?

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard "wants out," ESPN pundit Jalen Rose said on the morning program "First Take." Rose's remarks follow up a Monday report by ESPN's NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski that there is a "disconnect" between Leonard and the Spurs.

Leonard, 26, is currently sidelined indefinitely with a quadriceps injury. He has only played in nine games this season.

Rose cited the Spurs' perceived inability to attract top free agents as a reason for Leonard's dissatisfaction with the organization.

"We never say who's going to San Antonio to play with Kawhi," said Rose.

Rose also suggested that the Spurs' blue-collar style hurts their chances of luring top talent and pointed out that there might be some discrepancies about Leonard's injury status.

"When you go to San Antonio, guess who is the CEO of that organization? Gregg Popovich. It's going to be his way.

"...You see [Leonard] in the lineup, you see him out of the lineup. Is it his quad? What's going on with his history? Was he misdiagnosed?"

"First Take" host Stephen A. Smith added that he is "hearing the same thing" about Leonard wanting out of San Antonio. Smith cited that there had been quiet tension between Leonard and the Spurs for a while.

San Antonio may now be facing questions about what to do with Leonard as the Feb. 8 trade deadline approaches. The Spurs have a more-than-respectable 30-18 record with just a 5-4 record with Leonard in the lineup. The front office may feel they can receive quality players in return for a two-time All-Star.

R.C. Buford, considered one of the league's shrewdest general managers, may see the perceived tension between Leonard and the Spurs as an opportunity to upgrade the roster. Dealing Leonard, and perhaps others, at the deadline might allow Buford to find add some much-needed youth to the roster. Earlier this month, Popovich revealed that LaMarcus Aldridge, who is 32 years old, requested a trade in the summer.

However, there have been no reports that the Spurs have any interest in trading either Leonard or Aldridge, or both. Buford, meanwhile, denied any discord between Leonard and the Spurs.

"There is no issue between the Spurs' organization and Kawhi," Buford told ESPN. "From Day One all parties have worked together to find the best solutions to his injury."

Leonard, who joined the Spurs in 2011, is under contract through the 2018-19 season, with a player option for 2019-20. He is earning $18.9 million this season and will earn $20.1 million in 2018-19.

Should the Spurs consider making a deal, they will have plenty of options. Some players that have reportedly been on the trade block include former Spurs point guard and current Sacramento King George Hill, the Los Angeles Clippers' DeAndre Jordan and Lou Williams, Utah Jazz swingman Rodney Hood, Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker, Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson, Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Mirotic and the Los Angeles Lakers' Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle.