Young: sources tell @ExpressNews that Kawhi Leonard wants to be traded from Spurs

[picnroll]

We all think Boston and Philly are trying to get Leonard for five cents on the dollar, and they are, and it upsets us, but actually I also don’t think they’re all that interested in even a moderately reasonable price, not only because of the cost and picks but also because of their timeline. I doubt they think that they can beat GS, even with Leonard in the next couple of years. They need a couple more years for their players to develop and GS to recede a bit to truly be championship material. By that time they’ll have young players resigned on more expensive contracts and Leonard on a high cost contract will only complicate matters. They’d rather feed their systems with some low cost good draft picks at that point. I think Leonard’s value will have to come from trading him to some other team, if possible.

[SpursDynasty85]

We all think Boston and Philly are trying to get Leonard for five cents on the dollar, and they are, and it upsets us, but actually I also don’t think they’re all that interested in even a moderately reasonable price, not only because of the cost and picks but also because of their timeline. I doubt they think that they can beat GS, even with Leonard in the next couple of years. They need a couple more years for their players to develop and GS to recede a bit to truly be championship material. By that time they’ll have young players resigned on more expensive contracts and Leonard on a high cost contract will only complicate matters. They’d rather feed their systems with some low cost good draft picks at that point. I think Leonard’s value will have to come from trading him to some other team, if possible.

The biggest thing is Kawhi's Bush league group and their in insistence of playing in LA plus injury concerns. Kawhi is just entering his prime. Philly and Boston want to win now. Philly is in best position since Simmons, Leonard, and Embiid appear to fit perfectly well.

[Marcus Bryant]

The biggest thing is Kawhi's Bush league group

Why am I going to give up assets to acquire your client when he didn't honor his contract in SA? Further, why am I going to commit to give your client a multi-year, nine figure extension when he decided he didn't want to honor the remaining 2 to 3 years on his contract in SA? These are not small questions. What's the answer? 'Because your franchise is not like the Spurs'? Virtual GMs gloss over these kinds of reservations, but these are huge. And this is before evaluating his health and allowing that he will need some amount of game time next season (assuming he actually plays ) to get back to the top of his game.

Other teams are interested, of course, because of Leonard's talent and age with another 3 to 4 prime years left. But this is why the Spurs have gotten offers so far.

[tholdren]

It's really remarkable the damage this guy has already done to Kawhi's reputation. It will be interesting to see how he intends to redeem himself. I think RC is going to make him play. If he plays like his career depends upon it, which it does, he might be able to reform his tarnished image. I can't imagine anyone being confident in an incompetent like Uncle Dennis.

Doubtful = lonzo ball

[8FOR!3]

I've heard of local sports reporters who can't stand the Spurs because they view the front office and organization as arrogant. I can't really share a source so if you'd like then take it with a grain of salt, but it is something I've been told and something I believe even though I don't think it's necessarily a fair sentiment. I want to say I heard this while Kawhi was injured last year but before it really became some kind of drama.

[cjw]

Given we’re at 466 pages, perhaps it’s time to start going straight to the source. Message away to him.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-r-robertson-004a7447

Yes, just a retail bank manager (i.e.., a product pusher) but he couldn’t be that inept if he was able to hold down the same job for 22 years. Actually, knowing the level of intelligence you need to man a retail branch, maybe he is. And University of Idaho - did he really graduate in three years?

”known for his high energy, personable leadership skills, and proven track record of service excellence”

[apalisoc_9]

Crazy but Kawhi came from a well to do family. They had money.

[Marcus Bryant]

I've heard of local sports reporters who can't stand the Spurs because they view the front office and organization as arrogant. I can't really share a source so if you'd like then take it with a grain of salt, but it is something I've been told and something I believe even though I don't think it's necessarily a fair sentiment. I want to say I heard this while Kawhi was injured last year but before it really became some kind of drama.

Five NBA championships and playoffs in 28 of 29 seasons. Reporters ing about lack of access is nothing new, tbh.

[FireMicoHalili]

I've heard of local sports reporters who can't stand the Spurs because they view the front office and organization as arrogant. I can't really share a source so if you'd like then take it with a grain of salt, but it is something I've been told and something I believe even though I don't think it's necessarily a fair sentiment. I want to say I heard this while Kawhi was injured last year but before it really became some kind of drama.

Granted this is true given Pop’s always been a prick to the media and the latter have a hard time predicting what the Spurs do, the response is to retaliate by picking a side? Judging by their replies it’s either they’ve known of it (see Jabari’s “does it change a thing???” Tweet) or they just got the rug pulled from underneath them by having other reporters leak things they’re supposed to be knowing given their proximity to the Spurs. If this is borne out of their frustration with the front office, it’s crazy. It’s never an excuse to cover up news, which they most likely didn’t know. Seems like SAEN and other local beat writers are stunned or muted, it’s so weird. It’s comical how Jabari downplays he didn’t know it by saying it doesn’t matter writing for sports is easy but apparently he isn’t good at it

[spursistan]

But you said a trade was already a done deal.

Was it, in fact, not a done deal?

..

[SpursDynasty85]

I've heard of local sports reporters who can't stand the Spurs because they view the front office and organization as arrogant. I can't really share a source so if you'd like then take it with a grain of salt, but it is something I've been told and something I believe even though I don't think it's necessarily a fair sentiment. I want to say I heard this while Kawhi was injured last year but before it really became some kind of drama.

Media and reporters probably do hate pop since he can be a to them at times. Unless it's a longtime well respected media person telling you this, you should probably just assume they're just left wanting.

[Eaglenole2002]

What's weird about Jabari Young's and some sports journalists' response:

1. The Express News People (Mike Finger, Jeff McDonald, and Jabari) have all been quiet about Mike Wright's report. It's either this is something they've known to be true or to be false. It might be journalistic envy since they weren't chosen to leak these stories. Jabari has always touted "shopping local", which I assume pertains to consuming San Antonio Spurs news from local journalists such as himself. He teased about Spurs fans getting spoiled, only to be disappointed with news Leonard demands to be traded. He then backpedaled some rappers' albums are coming out. They were great albums but he had to go through a lot of backpedaling there. This guy has no solid sources, or if he does, he has been given bits and morsels sparingly and thinks he leaks them exclusively.
2. Regardless, they've done nothing to verify Wright's report. No refutations, no verification, no retweets, no comments, nothing. That is EXTREMELY weird. We've heard nothing about the All-Star game stories or the New York stories so far and they've done nothing to verify such, nor comment on these things. Journalistic envy or fake news? Shop local or believe Mike Wright? Either way, it's weird local newsmen (if sports journalists count as legitimate news writers) haven't heard or picked up on this.
3. It's eerie Jabari keeps saying it doesn't change a thing. It does. As exstatic said, it emphasizes the Spurs are done with Leonard's group and affects his trade value. At this point I'm not sure as to whom to believe since it's all smoke and mirrors and PR battles. It's weird someone like Jabari takes the player's side. He must know something we don't or he loves Kawhi's schlong constantly prodding his prostate.
4. Jabari keeps stressing he's willing to talk to Leonard during interviews and/or media day, but has no inclination to interview the Spurs' front office. Is it difficult to call the Spurs organization to confirm? Is it so difficult to piece things together? Most replies to his tweet have already noticed his bias for airing Kawhi's side, not to mention his predilection for saying the Spurs do not know how to handle modern stars. The Spurs may be wrong on that regard too, but how hard is it to say you want out? Apparently not so, especially if you don't have pressing reasons other than a botched shoe deal and the hopes of getting more money.
5. Also weird Wojnarowski, Shelburne, and/or Marc Stein don't have anything to add to Wright's report. Usually sports writers add new spins to generate more buzz and retweets, and that's usually practice among sports journalists. I assume they know it's hokum or journalistic envy because the Spurs' FO didn't choose them to become mouthpieces. I think by now we can safely assume some of these journalists act as PR specialists for players as well and there's a faction that keeps wanting to spur a trade (whom I believe Impact Sports leaks their stories to) and a smaller group whom the Spurs front office prefers.

Jabari and friends if you're reading this I hope an investigative report follows. Something more detailed and professional, perhaps? Something more in-depth and balanced, not blatantly biased. Would it change a thing? No, but it'll help your journalistic credentials more than licking Kawhi's butthole for an interview, since journalists have ethical standards that mandate airing sides of both parties and showing all possible angles. Ben Detrick came out with an amazing piece on Bryan Colangelo and I'm sure the Express News writers can do something commensurate. Or maybe not, I guess some journalists just aren't that great.

Matthew Tynan tweeted this last night...

Word of advice: Roll with mikecwright, @JMcDonald_SAEN and Mikefinger when it comes to the local coverage. Trust them. https://t.co/NEJkfluzwp

[Amuseddaysleeper]

What's weird about Jabari Young's and some sports journalists' response:

1. The Express News People (Mike Finger, Jeff McDonald, and Jabari) have all been quiet about Mike Wright's report. It's either this is something they've known to be true or to be false. It might be journalistic envy since they weren't chosen to leak these stories. Jabari has always touted "shopping local", which I assume pertains to consuming San Antonio Spurs news from local journalists such as himself. He teased about Spurs fans getting spoiled, only to be disappointed with news Leonard demands to be traded. He then backpedaled some rappers' albums are coming out. They were great albums but he had to go through a lot of backpedaling there. This guy has no solid sources, or if he does, he has been given bits and morsels sparingly and thinks he leaks them exclusively.
2. Regardless, they've done nothing to verify Wright's report. No refutations, no verification, no retweets, no comments, nothing. That is EXTREMELY weird. We've heard nothing about the All-Star game stories or the New York stories so far and they've done nothing to verify such, nor comment on these things. Journalistic envy or fake news? Shop local or believe Mike Wright? Either way, it's weird local newsmen (if sports journalists count as legitimate news writers) haven't heard or picked up on this.
3. It's eerie Jabari keeps saying it doesn't change a thing. It does. As exstatic said, it emphasizes the Spurs are done with Leonard's group and affects his trade value. At this point I'm not sure as to whom to believe since it's all smoke and mirrors and PR battles. It's weird someone like Jabari takes the player's side. He must know something we don't or he loves Kawhi's schlong constantly prodding his prostate.
4. Jabari keeps stressing he's willing to talk to Leonard during interviews and/or media day, but has no inclination to interview the Spurs' front office. Is it difficult to call the Spurs organization to confirm? Is it so difficult to piece things together? Most replies to his tweet have already noticed his bias for airing Kawhi's side, not to mention his predilection for saying the Spurs do not know how to handle modern stars. The Spurs may be wrong on that regard too, but how hard is it to say you want out? Apparently not so, especially if you don't have pressing reasons other than a botched shoe deal and the hopes of getting more money.
5. Also weird Wojnarowski, Shelburne, and/or Marc Stein don't have anything to add to Wright's report. Usually sports writers add new spins to generate more buzz and retweets, and that's usually practice among sports journalists. I assume they know it's hokum or journalistic envy because the Spurs' FO didn't choose them to become mouthpieces. I think by now we can safely assume some of these journalists act as PR specialists for players as well and there's a faction that keeps wanting to spur a trade (whom I believe Impact Sports leaks their stories to) and a smaller group whom the Spurs front office prefers.

Jabari and friends if you're reading this I hope an investigative report follows. Something more detailed and professional, perhaps? Something more in-depth and balanced, not blatantly biased. Would it change a thing? No, but it'll help your journalistic credentials more than licking Kawhi's butthole for an interview, since journalists have ethical standards that mandate airing sides of both parties and showing all possible angles. Ben Detrick came out with an amazing piece on Bryan Colangelo and I'm sure the Express News writers can do something commensurate. Or maybe not, I guess some journalists just aren't that great.

Jabari wants to be to Kawhi what Windhorst is to LeBron.

If Kawhi gets traded I guarantee you Jabari follows suit whether it’s LA or Philly (where Jabari is from)

And Jeff McDonald is a total joke and has been for years.

[MoSpur02]

I've heard of local sports reporters who can't stand the Spurs because they view the front office and organization as arrogant. I can't really share a source so if you'd like then take it with a grain of salt, but it is something I've been told and something I believe even though I don't think it's necessarily a fair sentiment. I want to say I heard this while Kawhi was injured last year but before it really became some kind of drama.

I can certainly vouch for this. Tom James is very arrogant

[dbestpro]

Aside from him, Teodosic, and Harris, no one adds significant value to package together a commensurate offer for Leonard. Would have been a great trade destination but they're severely limited.

Future number one picks and sign and trade of Harrell would have to be added.

[apalisoc_9]

Spursfans believing anyone now so long as its against Kawhi just like a little hoe

[JPB]

We all think Boston and Philly are trying to get Leonard for five cents on the dollar, and they are, and it upsets us, but actually I also don’t think they’re all that interested in even a moderately reasonable price, not only because of the cost and picks but also because of their timeline. I doubt they think that they can beat GS, even with Leonard in the next couple of years. They need a couple more years for their players to develop and GS to recede a bit to truly be championship material. By that time they’ll have young players resigned on more expensive contracts and Leonard on a high cost contract will only complicate matters. They’d rather feed their systems with some low cost good draft picks at that point. I think Leonard’s value will have to come from trading him to some other team, if possible.

That reasoning is right in a vacuum and would still stand in a league where players wouldn't be less ans less committed and stars would hesitate to team up to form super teams.

Spend 3 more years trying to grow your team only to see another one get 2 top 5 players in the same offseason to team up with their own one. Imagine if Fakers could have gotten Lebron, PG13 and Kawhi this offseason. From lottery team to favorite in one summer.

(Supposedly) top 3 players like Kawhi don't fall out off trees every season and windows to win les are rare. You may not want not only lose an opportunity to get a le when you can and a direct opponent get that player. Do Boston want to let Philly get Kawhi and vice and versa ?

You don't know how your young players are gonna really develop. Promising young players having a nice first couple of seasons before disappointing are dime a dozen. Injuries, ego, motivation...lot of things can happen.

There are obviously red flags regarding Kawhitter's current status but in a vacuum comparing to those young players, you know what you got at 100%. A proven top 3 two way player in his prime with championship' experience that can help you win now.

If not for all the uncertainty around Kawhi's health, head and his group, trading for him would be a no brainer.

[BackHome]

Spursfans believing anyone now so long as its against Kawhi just like a little hoe

I thought he was being traded to Clippers and it was a done deal? Or was that the Flakers.....

[-21-]

I thought he was being traded to Clippers and it was a done deal? Or was that the Flakers.....

You know what's done? Apa's hopes of getting some credibility around here. Not a single person here takes him seriously

Cats be jealous fam

[rastaspur]

Apa has cemented his legacy as being the biggest attention and least credible poster of all time. Its a silver lining to the whole kawhi fiasco.

[offset formation]

You know what's done? Apa's hopes of getting some credibility around here. Not a single person here takes him seriously

Cats be jealous fam

But just the casuals.

[Joseph Kony]

apa switches schtick on the reg and somehow everyone still replies to everything he says gotta admire the attention he receives with his trolling tbh

[spurraider21]

Good thing we have fatty mills more than that

[MannyIsGod]

I'd rather have Mills than Nurkic

[BatManu20]

I'd rather have Mills than Nurkic

Seriously..?