Report: C’s talking with Spurs, but won’t do ‘risky trade’ for Kawhi

The Celtics appear to be one of the teams with a shot at Kawhi Leonard.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Boston is one of several teams in play to trade for the Spurs guard. Wojnarowski tweeted Thursday morning the Celtics have had assets coveted by San Antonio, and the Spurs are "fully engaged" in trade talks.

The Spurs are fully engaged in trade talks with several teams on Kawhi Leonard, including the Lakers and Celtics, league sources tell ESPN. Boston has long had the assets that the Spurs most covet in a potential Leonard trade.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2018

Of the "several teams" in the hunt, the Lakers are the other team listed with the Celtics as potential frontrunners.

Yahoo Sports' Jordan Schultz reported Thursday that Leonard has reached out to James and would like to play with him.

A source close to #LeBron tells me that #Kawhi Leonard reached out to James, telling him he very much wanted to play together. They spoke about Kawhi's lockdown defensive ability, which would alleviate pressure off of LeBron.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 28, 2018

Wojnarowski said the Celtics are "extremely cautious" with the uncertainty surrounding Leonard, and his intentions to test free agency, along with his health. The tweet states the Celts don't have "any intention" of making a risky trade.

Boston's extremely cautious on Leonard front. There's so much uncertainty w/ Leonard's future -- health, free agent desires, etc. Will Leonard be same player? That's hard to tell. Celtics don't have to make a risky trade and have no intention to do so. It's an interesting dance. https://t.co/gVECzgxrYM
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2018

Yesterday, it was reported the Celtics had made a formal offer, and speculation arose of Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum being involved in a potential deal. Kyrie Irving's name was also tossed around following the strong postseason of Terry Rozier.

But, late Wednesday, it had appeared talks between the C's and Spurs were going nowhere. The Boston Herald reported an offer had not been made, and the Celtics had simply made a phone call to inquire.

That narrative shifts with the Celtics as a contender to acquire Leonard, if Thurday's most recent update is to be believed.

The Spurs can still play long game with Leonard, try to repair relationship and get to a place where they're comfortable offering $219M super max. The urgency to get a deal done belongs to Lakers now, but circumstances and leverage can change quickly. https://t.co/RIralTBUe9
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2018

However, whether or not Leonard wants to come to Boston -- or will stay beyond a year -- is still a question.

Speaking to league executive, one thing is clear. Celtics have not received any assurances from Kawhi Leonard that he wants to come here.
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) June 28, 2018

Also Thursday, came word via The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn that Brown hasn't been discussed as part of the deal.

Hearing Jaylen Brown has NOT been discussed in any potential deal for Kawhi Leonard. #Celtics are taking conservative approach in talks with #Spurs.
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) June 28, 2018

The Spurs aren't a lock to trade Leonard still, and can wait it out and, according to Wojnarowski, attempt to offer a super-max contract worth $219 million.

The "urgency belongs to the Lakers," but Wojnarowski says the leverage can swing. According to ESPN, the Cavaliers, 76ers, and Clippers were also in the running as of Wednesday.