Sixers’ Batting Around Combo of Dario Saric, Robert Covington in Trade for Kawhi Leonard

The reports and rumors keep coming in as July 1 approaches.

LeBron James. Paul George. Kawhi Leonard. The three biggest names out there this offseason have all been linked to the Sixers. The latest report is surrounding Leonard and what the Sixers are considering offering the Spurs for his services - this after a report surfaced earlier that the Spurs are "ready" to move on from Leonard (see story).

The team has discussed several packages with ownership, including a deal that includes Dario Saric, Robert Covington and the Heat's unprotected 2021 first-round pick acquired in the draft-night trade from the Suns, according to Sports Illustrated's Jake Fischer. While the Sixers have discussed a trade internally, they have not made a formal offer to San Antonio, per Fischer.

The interesting omissions here are 2017 No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz and the Sixers' first-round pick this year, Zhaire Smith. The most likely reason is the Spurs' current backcourt situation, which features Washington product Dejounte Murray and Australia native Patty Mills. Murray is just 21 and Mills just re-signed with the team last offseason.

It's been reported from the outset of Leonard-related rumors that his preferred destination is L.A. This new report does say that he'd be willing to sign in a bigger market. The Sixers would appear to be an attractive option for Leonard, who was coached by Brown in San Antonio and has been treated by Sixers chief medical officer Dr. Jonathan Glashow.

Of course Leonard comes with plenty of risk having only played in nine games this past season because of a quad injury. The murkiness of his relationship with the Spurs will lead to questions. And of course, his contract situation may cause some teams to be wary of deal for the soon-to-be 27-year-old.