Spurs GM R.C. Buford says team hopes to 'build the best relationship we can' with Kawhi Leonard
![Spurs GM R.C. Buford hopes to repair the relationship with star Kawhi Leonard.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/01509147fe9c96621294ac58e2600169585b4d90/c=131-139-3915-2277/local/-/media/2018/06/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/636652552444459017-USP-NBA-San-Antonio-Spurs-at-Dallas-Mavericks.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Despite reports of Kawhi Leonardâs discontent and preference to move on from San Antonio, the Spursâ brass sounded determined Thursday night to keep him and repair their soured relationship.
âKawhi and his family mean a lot to our organization and to our community,â Spurs GM R.C. Buford said following Thursdayâs draft. âWhile none of us would wish we are where we are, we are going to do what we can to build the best relationship we can with him. We will explore all of our options, but the first one would be to keep Kawhi as part of our group.â
Leonard met with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich this week in San Diego, according to USA TODAY Sportsâ Sam Amick. The meeting had been planned for weeks and wasnât a result of Leonardâs preference to be traded becoming public.
The divide stems from the partiesâ handling of Leonardâs right quadriceps injury that lingered throughout the season. Leonard and his camp sought outside medical counsel, which left the All-Star and his organization at odds. Leonard has one year left on his deal before he can be a free agent.
âI donât know that timing is a factor in this,â Buford said. âHe is under contract for another year. Our goal is to keep him as part of our program for a long time.
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âI think all of us would wish that things would have gone differently at times,â he said.
Despite trade possibilities swirling around Leonard, the Spurs were one of the winners of Thursdayâs draft when they took Miamiâs Lonnie Walker at No. 18. Walker, a sturdy defender with excellent athleticism, offers insurance in case the Spurs ultimately feel compelled to deal Leonard.
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