Report: Contract extension talks between Spurs, Kawhi Leonard stall
The San Antonio Spurs and forward Kawhi Leonard have made no significant progress on a possible maximum contract extension, with talks between the two sides at a stalemate, reports Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski.
San Antonio and Leonard have until Friday, the deadline for players selected in the 2011 NBA draft, to reach a deal on a contract extension.
If no deal is reached, Leonard would become a restricted free agent next summer.
According to the report, Spurs president and general manager R.C. Buford and Leonard’s agent Brian Elfus have had several discussions in the past few weeks, but have made no progress.
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The Spurs could lock him up now with a five-year deal, worth $90 million or more. The team could also sign him to a four-year deal worth maximum contract money or less.
San Antonio has the right to match any offer sheet extended to Leonard if he reaches restricted free agency after the season.
Leonard, 23, averaged 17.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the Spurs' five-game thrashing of the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, earning Finals MVP honors.
Leonard averaged 12.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 steals a game in 29 minutes for the Spurs last season. Leonard played in only one of the Spurs seven exhibition games because of a right eye infection and his status for the season-opener against the Dallas Mavericks is in doubt.
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