Celtics ‘Fully Engaged’ In Kawhi Leonard Trade Talks

The Boston Celtics are among several teams that are "fully engaged" in trade talks to acquire Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Celtics make an ideal trade partner considering their bevy of young players and future draft picks, but Boston may be leery of offering San Antonio a "Godfather offer" for several reasons.

The C's would need assurances that Leonard’s quad injury, which caused him to miss all but nine games this season, is healed and won't cause him to miss additional games in the future.

Another issue that could affect a potential trade package is Leonard's player option following the 2018-19 season, which he could opt out of and become a free agent.

Leonard was born in Los Angeles and wants to play for the Lakers, who re-engaged in trade talks Wednesday after one Lakers source said last week that San Antonio "basically shut the door" on trade negotiations.

If Leonard isn't traded to L.A., he could opt out next summer and sign with the Lakers in free agency, making him a one-year rental for any team (not named the Lakers) that acquires him this offseason.

The Celtics and Lakers aren't the only teams in pursuit of Leonard, a two-time All-NBA first-teamer and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers also have made offers to the Spurs, league sources told ESPN.