Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard controls the ball as he is watched closely by Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant in the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Arena.Tom Szczerbowski/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters
Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard have discussed signing free-agent deals with the same team, according to a report Saturday from ESPN.
The possible combination of Mr. Durant and Mr. Leonard adds a new level of intrigue as the NBA’s signing period opens Sunday evening. The most likely scenarios for the pair to play together would be with the New York Knicks or Los Angeles Clippers, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported.
Mr. Durant reportedly plans to meet with four teams — the Knicks, Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors. Mr. Leonard’s list is expected to include the Knicks, Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors.
In the days leading up to free agency, rumors have swirled about various combinations of superstars.
Multiple reports have indicated that Brooklyn could be interested in a package of Mr. Durant and point guard Kyrie Irving. Other reports have linked Mr. Leonard with the Lakers, where he could join LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
It is also possible that both players could return to their most recent teams. Mr. Leonard’s Raptors held off Mr. Durant’s Warriors in this year’s NBA Finals, during which Mr. Durant tore his Achilles tendon in Game 5. He is expected to miss most, if not all, of next season.