R.C. Buford: Spurs working to 'build the best relationship' with Kawhi Leonard

Days after Kawhi Leonard and Gregg Popovich met in San Diego, San Antonio Spurs general manager R.C. Buford met with the media. The 2018 NBA draft had just ended, but that did not prevent questions about the Spurs’ star.

When asked about Leonard, Buford was firm.

“While none of us wish we are where we are, we’re going to do our best to build the best relationship that we can with him,” Buford told reporters.

Leonard, a two-time All-Star and 2013-14’s NBA Finals MVP, played nine games with the Spurs this past year. Last Friday, Yahoo reported that Leonard wanted a trade from San Antonio, with the complication between the two parties relating to the condition of Leonard’s lingering quadriceps injury.

While Leonard did attend the private memorial service for Popovich’s late wife, Erin, complications between the two parties have continued as free agency approaches. On Thursday even, Yahoo reported the Spurs have fielded calls from the Los Angeles Lakers and a number of other teams.

On Thursday night, Buford said the Spurs plan to explore all of their options.

“The first would be to do what we can to keep Kawhi as part of our group,” Buford said.

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