R.C. Buford discusses where Spurs stand with Kawhi Leonard

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs are doing everything to keep star forward Kawhi Leonard, general manager R.C. Buford said Thursday night after the NBA Draft.

Rumors have swirled for a week after Leonard reportedly asked to be traded from the Spurs.

Buford said he would not comment on whether Leonard or his advisors have made a formal trade request, but the goal was to keep Leonard with the Spurs.

The Spurs general manager also did not want to discuss whether teams have approached the Spurs about a deal. 

"Kawhi and his family mean a lot to our organization and to the community,” Buford said. “While none of us would wish we are where we are, we’re going to do what we can to build the best relationship we can with him and we’ll explore all of our options, but the first one will be to do what we can to keep Kawhi as part of our group."

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich met with Leonard in Southern California earlier in the week in an effort to seek clarity on his status moving forward.

Buford said timing would not be a factor in a possible resolution with Leonard and the Spurs would not rush to a decision with their disgruntled star.

"He’s under contract for another year, our goal is to keep him as a part of our program for a long time,” Buford said.

Thursday night was the first time a Spurs official had spoken publicly about the Leonard situation since the season ended.

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