Kawhi Leonard rumors: Will San Antonio Spurs extend Leonard by October 31?

Fresh off an NBA Finals MVP Award, San Antonio Spurs’ forward Kawhi Leonard is looking for a new deal. The two sides have until October 31 to work an extension or they well have to wait for the offseason.

"But is there a deal that would make both sides happy? Would San Antonio spring for a max extension along the lines of what Cleveland gave Kyrie Irving this summer? Or will it ask Leonard to take less?The Spurs don’t have to do a deal now. They could let Leonard enter restricted free agency in 2015, knowing that they will be able to match any offer any team makes him next summer. And even if someone offers Leonard a max deal, it still would be for less money than if San Antonio were to do so — almost $20 million less, because only the Spurs can give Leonard a fifth year in a contract."

Letting Leonard set his own market may be the best bet, unless of course, the Spurs want to lock him down for five years, in which case they’d have to sign him themselves.

Leonard averaged 12.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 52.2% from the field, 37.9% from beyond the arc and 80.2% from the free throw line. In the playoffs, he put up 14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% from the floor, 41.9% from three and 73.6% from the charity stripe.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

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