The San Antonio Spurs rocketed to an other NBA title and they have Kawi Leonard to thank in large part for the win. While Leonard helped the team win the Finals, he’s going to be looking for a new contract which means the team is going to get short term amnesia when it comes to compensating him for his work.
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According to Steve Kyler from Basketball Insiders, while Kawhi Leonard may try restricted free agency in 2015, the bottom line is that the Spurs will not be letting him go. But there’s more to it than just that, as the figures that Leonard will make and the possible locker room distraction it causes might be something the team wants to avoid.
"Both sides seem open to a deal, the question becomes for how much? Even if Leonard gets to free agency in July, its fair more likely that the Spurs match offers than let him go, the question is do the Spurs want that in their locker room this year? The Spurs cap position allows them a lot of room with regards to Leonard and his eventual payday. Do they lock him in now or does it have to play out next summer?"
Losing Leonard isn’t going to happen and maxing him out is far more likely, but it’s going to be something hanging over the team all year long, especially now that star players are starting to go down one by one with various contract lowering injuries.
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