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Could a draft day trade for Kawhi Leonard still be in play?

By Dan Volpone

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 15: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 15, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 15: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 15, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Phoenix Suns went from unlisted in the odds to land Kawhi Leonard to tied for fifth. Is it a coincidence, or is Vegas onto something?

Despite rumors saying the Suns have no interest in trading the first pick for Kawhi Leonard, their odds to land the two-way star from San Antonio have improved.

Could there be a chance the first pick is on the move Thursday night?

It seems unlikely for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, the Suns seem to be locked in on Deandre Ayton first overall. He’s already been seen signing Suns jerseys, and he’s entirely confident he’ll be playing in purple and orange next season.

But could Vegas know something everyone else doesn’t? If the Suns are willing to include the first pick, they could put together one of the best (if not the best) packages for Leonard of any team in the league. Oddsmakers seem to think it’s at least a possibility.

Whether or not the Suns should have interest in Leonard is a different question. He’s unquestionably a top five talent in the league, but he’s coming off a mysterious quad injury that caused him to miss the entire playoffs and all but nine regular season games. He’s also about to turn 27, meaning he’s already five years older than Devin Booker.

On top of that, he seems primed to hit free agency next summer. He’s expressed interest in playing for the Lakers, and he’s shown no interest in signing a contract extension before this season. He’s likely to walk after the season, which would make him a one year rental. Unless the Suns could guarantee he’d re-sign with the team, this trade would be a huge mistake.

Again, it would be shocking if the Phoenix Suns were to make a move for Leonard, but such a quick and seemingly unprompted jump in odds could be significant. And it could be a hint that the first pick isn’t off the table, both in trade talks for Leonard and any other trade talks.

Next: 6 events that would make this draft day the best ever

That being said, without an extension, the Suns shouldn’t have any interest in Leonard. They’d be smart to hang onto number one and take Ayton, but draft night should be extremely interesting.

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