Spurs, Kawhi Leonard agree to framework of max contract

[Kevin]

The San Antonio Spurs and forward Kawhi Leonard have agreed to the framework of a new five-year, $90 million maximum contract, reports Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

The deal still has to be worked out over the next several days, according to Wojnarowski.

“I have every intention of signing with the San Antonio Spurs,” Leonard said to Yahoo! Sports in a statement. “There are details in the contract which need to be worked out with the organization. I am confident that this will be accomplished.”

Leonard averaged career highs of 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 2014–15 to go along with 47.9% shooting. In 2014, Leonard was named NBA Finals MVP when he helped the Spurs defeat the Miami Heat in five games.

The 24-year-old has played his entire four-year career with San Antonio.

NBA free agency began Wednesday. Players cannot officially sign contracts until July 10.

The Spurs finished ‎55–27 last season, losing to the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games in the first round of the playoffs.

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/07/01/san-an ... tract-deal

[Andrew]

Not surprising, but nevertheless great news for the Spurs as they transition into a new era. They'll need to pick up a couple of new pieces - I expect Parker will be around for a few more years, Duncan and Manu one or two at most - but that's a great first step.

[Bruce]

Crazy how a few years ago we'd probably call an organization stupid for spending approx $20M on Kawhi. Close to $30M for Davis, $30M used to net you MJ.

[Andrew]

I don't know; worse players - sometimes far worse - have been landing similar (or even larger) contracts for the past decade plus. I think most people are probably a bit desensitised to the numbers by now. However, it definitely is crazy to think about what guys like Magic and Bird made in their prime, compared to some of the rising stars and overpaid role players in more recent times.

[benji]

Crazy how a few years ago we'd probably call an organization stupid for spending approx $20M on Kawhi. Close to $30M for Davis, $30M used to net you MJ.

Davis' contract will be 30% of some unknown cap figure, Jordan's contracts were greater than the entire salary cap (24-27 million).

Also the dollar isn't worth as much, Jordan's 1997-98 contract would be $48 million in 2015 dollars.

[Andrew]

I'd forgotten about that, that it was more than the entire cap. That's insane, but it turned out to be a pretty decent investment, I'd say.

[Mandich]

That's about how much he is currently worth when translated to the projected new cap.

Actually a good deal for the Spurs.

[air gordon]

So does this mean goodbye to Danny green? He's is the prototype 3/d (not a Dennis Scott reference)


Edit scratch that. Just saw on the wire green took less to stay

[NovU]

Kawhi could have gone for a bigger fish next year. This is looking like a bargain for the Spurs.