It doesn’t look like the world champion San Antonio Spurs are going to give NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard the deal he wants
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Head coach Gregg Popovich, power forward Tim Duncan, swingman Manu Ginobili and point guard Tony Parker won yet another title with the San Antonio Spurs but it was third-year forward Kawhi Leonard who took home the Finals MVP Award following the Spurs’ 4-1 series victory over the
.
Now, Kawhi Leonard is looking to be rewarded for his efforts. The Spurs have until the NBA’s deadline to extend those drafted in 2011 of Friday to get a deal done.
However, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.
“While the fourth-year player and the Spurs still have until Friday to get a deal done, all indications point to the Spurs not giving Leonard the deal he wants,” explained Sam Amick of the USA Today. “Never mind that Popovich offered Leonard the highest of praise two years ago when he said “he’ll be the face of the Spurs,” or that Leonard went into the summer with all the momentum of being named the Finals MVP.”
There’s not much of a chance that Kawhi Leonard will be going anywhere even if he does make his way to restricted free agent but if they don’t get a deal done, they may have to pay a lot more money than they’d like because someone will almost certainly be willing to give him a four-year max provided he continues to improve.
Kawhi Leonard is currently battling an eye infection but he could return Friday.
Last season, Kawhi 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. Then, 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.
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