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Gregg Popovich refused to trade Kawhi Leonard to Lakers in 2018

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 2:18 AM

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

Gregg Popovich refused to trade Kawhi Leonard to Lakers in 2018

Summary

Former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich rejected the Los Angeles Lakers' attempts to trade for Kawhi Leonard in 2018, according to Kirk Goldsberry, a former Spurs vice president. After disagreements regarding an injury limited Leonard to nine games that season, Popovich opted to send him to the Toronto Raptors instead. This decision was influenced by a desire not to assist a rival team perceived as a threat to the Spurs' championship hopes. Leonard went on to lead the Raptors to their first NBA championship, later signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are currently facing a trade delay as they navigate an NBA investigation into salary cap allegations related to Leonard.

Source Links

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Market Watch

•Popovich turned down Lakers' trade request for Leonard in 2018.
•Leonard was traded to the Raptors, leading them to win an NBA title.
•The Lakers were trying to pair Leonard with LeBron James.
•Current trade of Leonard back to the Raptors is delayed by an investigation.
•Leonard and George's time with the Clippers has been underwhelming since 2021.

Latest Updates

2:18 AMYahoo Sports — Gregg Popovich apparently refused to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Lakers

What they're saying

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According to a former Spurs staffer, former Spurs coach Gregg Popovich made sure the franchise wouldn't trade Kawhi Leonard to the Lakers in 2018.
— Yahoo Sports

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