The Spurs Truly Got Screwed Out of an NBA Title Due to Rift With Kawhi Leonard

A year after being traded, Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors are celebrating the sweet victory of a hard fought NBA Championship, while Leonard's former team is in San Antonio celebrating...well nothing.

And now we're left thinking what could have been.

The Spurs lost their chance of any celebration after a season full of disagreements with the Finals MVP, to which Leonard responded by demanding a trade at the end of the 2017-18 season. Knowing that he would not return, the Spurs traded Leonard to the now-NBA Champion Raptors.

Of course, this loss was a heavy hit to the Spurs organization, but nobody could have foreseen the dominance that Leonard brought to the table this season. With a roster lacking a clear No. 2 star and mainly consisting of role players, Leonard was able to surge through the East and prevent the dynastic Warriors from three-peating.

Just imagine what he could have done with the Spurs!

San Antonio boasted a roster of seasoned veterans this season, five of which averaged double-figures in points, and were able to fill up the stat sheets at their respected positions.

The Spurs were able to show consistency without Kawhi Leonard. So if they did have him, there's no doubt they would have shown a noticeable level of dominance.

Take away the issues. Remove the beef. Put Kawhi back in San Antonio. And what do you get? Possibly another NBA Championship banner from this season.