NBA source is "very confident" Spurs will reach extension with Kawhi before season

[SpursFan86]

489546664621785089

Anyone familiar with this source? Curious how reliable it is.

[MeloHype]

This is old news

[Chinook]

Of course they could if they wanted to. The question is: Do they want to? I'm not sure.

[SpursFan86]

This is old news

I mean I know many people expected it, but I don't remember hearing any actual reports of a near-certain extension.

[Ron Swanson]

Waiting for tspence to share his information.

[spurraider21]

Of course they could if they wanted to. The question is: Do they want to? I'm not sure.
maybe they want to before the cap goes up, which affects the size of max deals?

if ur going to correct me, please be gentle

[Chinook]

maybe they want to before the cap goes up, which affects the size of max deals?

if ur going to correct me, please be gentle

If he gets a max contract, it won't matter if it's an extension or a new deal next year. It would be for the same amount. If the Spurs are willing to max out Kawhi, there is no downside to waiting save the possibility of hurting Kawhi's feelings.

[ducks]

be a discount if he does but he may only sign tell 2017 to see new salary cap and then want the max
also be insurance on his part with his knees

[illusioNtEk]

if Bosh is able to get a MAX Contract so can KAWHI!

[Beaverfuzz]

ABA Source faxed me over an extremely confident facsimile stating that he believed Coffee Black would sign with the Spurs before they made the move to the NBA.

http://www.whudat.com/news/images/andre-3000-clarence-coffee-black-big.jpg

[spurraider21]

If he gets a max contract, it won't matter if it's an extension or a new deal next year. It would be for the same amount. If the Spurs are willing to max out Kawhi, there is no downside to waiting save the possibility of hurting Kawhi's feelings.
if a max contract is for a certain % of the cap, does that mean the yearly salaries are fluid based on each season's cap?

[exstatic]

if a max contract is for a certain % of the cap, does that mean the yearly salaries are fluid based on each season's cap?

No. You lock in based on the cap figure the year you sign. That's why LeBron only signed for 2.

[Chinook]

if a max contract is for a certain % of the cap, does that mean the yearly salaries are fluid based on each season's cap?

Yes, and no. Yes, in the sense that the value of the first year of a max deal fluctuates. No in the sense that after the first year, a player is no longer bound to the max. And no in the sense that signing an extension still uses the cap for the first year of the deal for max calculations, not the year a player inks the extension.

[dbreiden83080]

if Bosh is able to get a MAX Contract so can KAWHI!

He's not worth the Max now.. At 22 or 23 you should not be getting the max.. Tony is making 12 mil a year these days..

[spurraider21]

Yes, and no. Yes, in the sense that the value of the first year of a max deal fluctuates. No in the sense that after the first year, a player is no longer bound to the max. And no in the sense that signing an extension still uses the cap for the first year of the deal for max calculations, not the year a player inks the extension.
:tu ah that clarifies it

[jhfenton]

He's not worth the Max now.. At 22 or 23 you should not be getting the max.. Tony is making 12 mil a year these days..

Not all Max's are created equal. Kawhi is worth the Max because someone will offer him the Max. Look at Parsons.

As for an extension, I don't expect an extension. It makes no sense for the Spurs, unless Kawhi is anxious to sign a 4-year, sub-Max extension. A 5-year extension has to be for the Max and reduces the Spurs' cap flexibility next summer, replacing his $4MM cap hold with his new 8-figure salary.

More likely is a new 5-year agreement next summer for somewhere between the Max the Spurs could pay him and the Max another team could pay him.

[illusioNtEk]

He's not worth the Max now.. At 22 or 23 you should not be getting the max.. Tony is making 12 mil a year these days..


yes but, we need to lock him up or eles other teams will be MORE THEN happy to offer a max for him.

I mean i'd say he is the best defender in the NBA

[jon123spurs]

Ask the legend TSpence26. Tbh

[Chinook]

I think an $80M/5 deal next summer makes the most sense for both sides. The Spurs get Leonard at a slight discount, and Kawhi gets about $11 Million more than he could get anywhere else.

[TheGoldStandard]

What if Kawhi wants a taste of real max money when the salary cap is supposed to skyrocket.. do you think he'll opt for a one year deal with San Antonio just to be apart of that climate or takes the 5 year deal next summer?

[DesignatedT]

If Leonard wants the extension now then give it to him. If he's cool with playing it out one more year then do that. Just don't so anything to jeopardize the relationship.

[manu2timdynasty]

Waiting for tspence to share his information.

Hopoff

[benstanfield]

In the next few years the NBA is renegotiating its TV deals, which will probably double the NBA's TV revenue.

A smart GM would be locking up young players to long term deals that will become steals in years 3-5. Sign Parker, Leonard, Green to 5 year deals and watch the salary cap explode in the middle of their contract.

[bluebellmaniac]

If Leonard wants the extension now then give it to him. If he's cool with playing it out one more year then do that. Just don't so anything to jeopardize the relationship.

I believe it comes down to having flexibility in signing one or two free agents. If we sign Kawhi to an extension now, we would lose the cap space for any free agents. By waiting, his cap hold is only $7.2M, thus freeing up a lot more money for FA signings. We should have cap room if Manu retires. If TD re-signs for another one or two years, who knows, maybe he discounts it even more. So we could have phenomenal depth by waiting. Kawhi would also be a RFA, so we are keeping him regardless. There is no chance we lose him. Patience is a virtue and it will pay off to wait. Kawhi knows this and the FO knows this.

[Arcadian]

The Spurs are as good at signing players as any other franchise. It's simple: Play for the Spurs, work with great coaches in a great system, win championships and awards. Who wouldn't want to do that?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

He's not worth the Max now.. At 22 or 23 you should not be getting the max.. Tony is making 12 mil a year these days..

Who determines 'should?' You?

Fact is that young, proven talent is the most sought after commodity in sport and basketball is no different. If he were to hit the open market, I imagine he would receive a bevy of max offers.

The market dictates worth.

[Sean Cagney]

Ask the legend TSpence26. Tbh

Lets not.......

[SpursFan86]

Who determines 'should?' You?

Fact is that young, proven talent is the most sought after commodity in sport and basketball is no different. If he were to hit the open market, I imagine he would receive a bevy of max offers.

The market dictates worth.

Exactly. If guys like Gordon Hayward and Chandler Parsons are getting max offers, then I sure as hell bet Kawhi will as well.

[ajh18]

I think an $80M/5 deal next summer makes the most sense for both sides. The Spurs get Leonard at a slight discount, and Kawhi gets about $11 Million more than he could get anywhere else.

Forgive my ignorance on the salary cap ins-and-outs, but how would this be getting Leonard at a discount? Doesn't a five-year designated player extension require the contract to be for the max, regardless?

Or are you just saying in comparison to what the contract would be post-tv deal?

[Chinook]

Forgive my ignorance on the salary cap ins-and-outs, but how would this be getting Leonard at a discount? Doesn't a five-year designated player extension require the contract to be for the max, regardless?

Or are you just saying in comparison to what the contract would be post-tv deal?

The designation is only for extensions. A new contract next summer can be for anywhere from one to five years and start at any salary below the max.

[TampaDude]

Pay the man. Do not let him get away!

[exstatic]

Pay the man. Do not let him get away!

Kawhi's not going ANYWHERE.

[BillMc]

Kawhi's not going ANYWHERE.

This. I can't remember the last time the Spurs lost one of their own when they wanted to keep him. A few grey-beards here my cite a few examples but it doesn't happen often and won't with Leonard.

[Darkwaters]

ABA Source faxed me over an extremely confident facsimile stating that he believed Coffee Black would sign with the Spurs before they made the move to the NBA.

http://www.whudat.com/news/images/andre-3000-clarence-coffee-black-big.jpg

Who cares? He'll probably just switch teams at halftime again!

[Old School 44]

The Spurs are as good at signing players as any other franchise. It's simple: Play for the Spurs, work with great coaches in a great system, win championships and awards. Who wouldn't want to do that? Pau Gasol

[TampaDude]

Kawhi's not going ANYWHERE.

Except maybe to the Finals a few more times. :hat

[Thomas82]

The Spurs are as good at signing players as any other franchise. It's simple: Play for the Spurs, work with great coaches in a great system, win championships and awards. Who wouldn't want to do that?

Mostly every player that chose another team for more money, bigger role etc. are the ones that didn't want. The Spurs are everything players say they want in a team, but when the get the opportunity to play for the Spurs, they turn it down because it's not good enough for them.

[Arcadian]

Mostly every player that chose another team for more money, bigger role etc. are the ones that didn't want. The Spurs are everything players say they want in a team, but when the get the opportunity to play for the Spurs, they turn it down because it's not good enough for them.

:lol Pity for them.

[cjw]

Pau Gasol

He's making about 50% more than the Spurs could have paid him...

[baseline bum]

There is no way Leonard is getting anything but the max. The only question is if it's a 5 year deal with 7.5% raises or a 4 year deal with 4.5% raises. But either way, that first year is going to be 25% of the cap.

[Chinook]

There is no way Leonard is getting anything but the max. The only question is if it's a 5 year deal with 7.5% raises or a 4 year deal with 4.5% raises. But either way, that first year is going to be 25% of the cap.

The difference between those two contracts will be more than $20 Million, and the APY difference will be at least a million. There's plenty of room to negotiate.

[spursfan4ever]

The Spurs are as good at signing players as any other franchise. It's simple: Play for the Spurs, work with great coaches in a great system, win championships and awards. Who wouldn't want to do that?

Every FA Spurs (Paul Gasol) tried to land these past couple of weeks.

[elbamba]

I love Kawhi but he is not a max player. He has the potential to be. His regular season numbers of 12.8 and 6.2 on 52% shooting are not max numbers. Hell, his play off numbers were only 14.3 and 6.7.

I get that what he brings to the table does not show up in the stats. The Spurs went on their huge run after the ASG when he came back from injury.

That said, if they give him max money, good for him.

[baseline bum]

I love Kawhi but he is not a max player. He has the potential to be. His regular season numbers of 12.8 and 6.2 on 52% shooting are not max numbers. Hell, his play off numbers were only 14.3 and 6.7.

I get that what he brings to the table does not show up in the stats. The Spurs went on their huge run after the ASG when he came back from injury.

That said, if they give him max money, good for him.

He is way better than Gordon Hayward, who just got a 4 year max contract with 4.5% raises.

[dbreiden83080]

Fact is that young, proven talent is the most sought after commodity in sport and basketball is no different. If he were to hit the open market, I imagine he would receive a bevy of max offers.

The market dictates worth.

You have no clue what the market is for him.. And Teams overpay for players all the time that does not mean you break the bank for them out of fear.. KL is damn good but young and needs more time to develop. I would not give him max money right now when his offensive game needs so much work and consistency. If there is a team out there ready to offer a player putting up 12 PPG a max deal then go right ahead..

[Marcus Bryant]

Some Spurs fans hate to see young black men get paid.

[ducks]

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine · 58m

RT Chris_Broussard: Sources: Suns offered Eric Bledsoe 4-year, $48 million contract. Bledsoe wants max of 5 years, $80 mil. Sides far apart



not sure what spur fan does not think leonard is worth the max especially giving up usa basketball to get his body proper rest

[Mugen]

Get yo money, Whi Whi.

[dbreiden83080]

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine · 58m

RT Chris_Broussard: Sources: Suns offered Eric Bledsoe 4-year, $48 million contract. Bledsoe wants max of 5 years, $80 mil. Sides far apart

not sure what spur fan does not think leonard is worth the max especially giving up usa basketball to get his body proper rest


If the Spurs lost game 7 to Dallas are we here talking about KL being a max player? This prisoner of the moment stuff is a tad dangerous..

[ducks]

playoffs is where players make the money
just ask danny green when he is a fa and he gets to the finals next year and makes those threes

[ducks]

leonard is a 2 way player people
he guarded Durant and James and still was 14.3 6.7 guy
name one player other then him that could do that

oh and if he was not a spur and had plays actually called for him his numbers would be higher
spurs are stacked and that is why all the players numbers stats would be more on other teams

[dbreiden83080]

playoffs is where players make the money
just ask danny green when he is a fa and he gets to the finals next year and makes those threes

Did he really have a great playoffs? He didn't even have a great finals if you count games 1 and 2.. Lets face it right now KL is a good player on the way up for sure but max dollars now.. Meh..

[ducks]

if I am leonard I ask for the max and sign long term for 5 years with the 7.5 raises and if not three with those raises and when the tv contract kicks in look out.
more money for leonard if he plays better like everyone is betting on and is still healthy

[Mugen]

:lol Hayward/Parsons just got PAAAAAAAAAAAID. Scrubs like Bledsoe are about to be paid. Kirby is the highest paid player in the league....

Fuck anybody that thinks Kawhi doesn't deserve the max tbh....

[ducks]

rember spurs were a .500 team without leonard in the regular season
had winning records with anyone else out

[dbreiden83080]

:lol Hayward/Parsons just got PAAAAAAAAAAAID. Scrubs like Bledsoe are about to be paid. Kirby is the highest paid player in the league....

Fuck anybody that thinks Kawhi doesn't deserve the max tbh....

Lets just say Tony may be a tad pissed if KL is making close to 20 mil a year when he is getting 12.. And I would not blame him.. TD is a top 10 all time player making 10.. This team has been built the last number of years on the premise of the star players taking less so the team can add more around them..

[SpursFan86]

Lets just say Tony may be a tad pissed if KL is making close to 20 mil a year when he is getting 12.. And I would not blame him.. TD is a top 10 all time player making 10.. This team has been built the last number of years on the premise of the star players taking less so the team can add more around them..

TD is the 4th highest-earning NBA player of all-time. Dude has made over $200 million in his career. Him taking a paycut isn't the same as Kawhi taking a paycut.

And Kawhi is more important to this team than Tony at this point and will be going forward. Speaking solely from an on-court perspective, obviously.

[Mugen]

Tim was making max money for most of his career. TP's deal was the result of a looming lockout.

I don't think anybody else on the team would be mad at the Finals MVP, who isn't even in his prime yet, for getting the contract that he's earned tbh. At least I'd hope not.

[moisaenz]

Haha people discussing if Kawhi is a max player or not. The market determines that.

[SpursFan86]

The market determines that.

Regardless of what anyone thinks, this is what it comes down to. Kawhi will get max offers from at least a few teams. You may think it's the dumbest thing in the world, but the market for players of Kawhi's caliber says he's worth max money.

[moisaenz]

Yeah although there is a cap, we are still not a communist country.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

You have no clue what the market is for him.. And Teams overpay for players all the time that does not mean you break the bank for them out of fear.. KL is damn good but young and needs more time to develop. I would not give him max money right now when his offensive game needs so much work and consistency. If there is a team out there ready to offer a player putting up 12 PPG a max deal then go right ahead..


He is way better than Gordon Hayward, who just got a 4 year max contract with 4.5% raises.

[exstatic]

If the Spurs lost game 7 to Dallas are we here talking about KL being a max player? This prisoner of the moment stuff is a tad dangerous..

I can play that game, too. If Allen's 2013 shot hits the rim and goes out of bounds, is Kawhi a 2 time Finals MVP?

[Baam]

I can play that game, too. If Allen's 2013 shot hits the rim and goes out of bounds, is Kawhi a 2 time Finals MVP?

Green is most likely the 2013 fmvp which would kinda change the way we look at that award...

[dbreiden83080]

TD is the 4th highest-earning NBA player of all-time. Dude has made over $200 million in his career. Him taking a paycut isn't the same as Kawhi taking a paycut.

And Kawhi is more important to this team than Tony at this point and will be going forward. Speaking solely from an on-court perspective, obviously.

TD was making max money when he was the best player in the NBA.. Most of his max years he was dominant. Plus the CBA was different then in terms of more years and dollars committed.. There is no justification for giving KL max money with Tony making 12 mil a year.. None whatsoever.

[dbreiden83080]

I can play that game, too. If Allen's 2013 shot hits the rim and goes out of bounds, is Kawhi a 2 time Finals MVP?

No TD wins it in 2013..

[SpursFan86]

There is no justification for giving KL max money with Tony making 12 mil a year.. None whatsoever.

Sure there is: the current market says Kawhi is worth max money. San Antonio isn't a desirable destination for FAs; letting Kawhi walk because we don't want to pay him (despite having his bird rights) would be a mistake.

It's also disingenuous to point out Kawhi's box score numbers. Pop managed his minutes (too much, IMO, but that's a different discussion for another topic) and he was the 4th option behind the Big 3. The Big 3 isn't going to be around much longer. You seriously think Kawhi is still going to average 12 ppg once Tim/Manu retire and Tony is no longer an all-star? Not to mention Kawhi's biggest strength, his defense, doesn't show up in the box score.

[TXstbobcat]

Would you rather pay Leonard Max money or spend the next 15 years begging overrated players who have no intention of signing with the Spurs? Lock Leonard up and keep him a spur.

[Baam]

TD was making max money when he was the best player in the NBA.. Most of his max years he was dominant. Plus the CBA was different then in terms of more years and dollars committed.. There is no justification for giving KL max money with Tony making 12 mil a year.. None whatsoever.

This is true, talked about that already... Dont see how you can give significantly more money to Kawhi than to TP...

[exstatic]

This is true, talked about that already... Dont see how you can give significantly more money to Kawhi than to TP...

Kawhi is 23. TP is 32. They're on opposite career trajectories. Besides, TP is up for renewal next summer with a likely higher cap.

Sentiment can't enter into it. I'm sure TP would rather KEEP Kawhi than lose him to an unmatched MAX offer.

The players that come after you always make more than you and your peer group. Magic and Bird made shit. Jordan and Shaq were really the first ones to cash in.

[Obstructed_View]

I think Kawhi cares about money about as much as his teammates do. Don't really care what the numbers are, but I'm fairly certain that it'll be done quietly and quickly just like everyone else.

[moisaenz]

is not about justification... is about do you want to keep him around or not? if nobody offers him max money then he is not worth max money...

[SpursFan86]

is not about justification... is about do you want to keep him around or not? if nobody offers him max money then he is not worth max money...

What in the world makes you think Parsons and Hayward can get max offers, but not FMVP Kawhi Leonard?

[Man In Black]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/10514740_649420038481030_5382324989915645815_n.jpg

[dabom]

There's a lot of benefits to playing with the spurs. 50 win seasons. Tons of rest. Playoffs guaranteed. Player Development is a priority. A chance to win rings every year.
I believe Kawhi gets a lil below the max. The spurs benefit from him and he benefits from the spurs.

[Mel_13]

There is no justification for giving KL max money with Tony making 12 mil a year.. None whatsoever.

Tony's salary will have zero impact on the offers that Kawhi will command from other teams.

If the Spurs aren't willing to go well above 12M per year for Kawhi, they'd better have plans to replace him or simply hope that he's willing to give them a substantial discount.

[dabom]

People also need to view this from Kawhi's position. Does he care more about money or winning? When you get a ring, you want another. It's a good viscous cycle, and Kawhi might be infected.
If he really wanted too, he can take a max contract from any team. I do think he is worth it, but it won't be beneficial for a contending team to take that much cap space,
especially for a small market team like the Spurs. A minor pay cut in the 3mil range might be more beneficial for him and the Spurs.
Now if he does get a max contract from the Spurs, I expect him to play 40plus minutes a game.

[100%duncan]

Kawhi can be max-level but if we are being fair, not yet. But tbh, with Hayward and Parsons getting paid that shit-ton of money, I would be mad if Kawhi gets low-balled tbh.

[dabom]

repost

[Rito3d30]

He's going to get his money
the only uncertainty is from who

[99 Problems]

We are a rare animal at Spurs. Only players who are serious about winning come here. Hence very few come. The whole league is full of "yer I want to be on a winner" worthless words guys who are blinded by $. Kawhi looks like a guy who wants to win tbh.

[SpursDynasty21]

I think the Spurs will sign Kawhi Leonard, and I do think that he is worth a max deal.

[elbamba]

Kawhi can be max-level but if we are being fair, not yet. But tbh, with Hayward and Parsons getting paid that shit-ton of money, I would be mad if Kawhi gets low-balled tbh.

I couldn't agree more. Neither Parsons or Hayward is worth Kawhi's value. Unfortunately, the NBA is full of idiots who pay these guys 15 million to be mediocre. Hell, Ariza just got 8 million a year from a team that shipped him out three years ago. Kawhi is probably worth 12-15 million based on his production. But I get that the market says he is a max player. If he gets the max, I won't be mad. Spurs don't win a championship without him this past season. But I also don't think we when a championship without about 6 specific players on the team this year as well.

[daslicer]

I don't think Kawhi will go for anything less than the max even though other spurs in the past Parker,Manu got a little less than the max. You also forget Kawhi is American born unlike those two other guys so its highly unlikely he is going to give the spurs a discount. I don't think Kawhi is worth the max but since guys like Hayward and Parsons are getting overpaid he will get it just due to the demands of the market.

[will_spurs]

Kawhi definitely deserves max money, just in the same way Tony did when he got his FMVP. Tony turned down max money just the same way Tim and Manu took paycuts.

It's not because Kawhi deserves max money that the Spurs are going to sign him for that much. The Spurs tend to be pretty good at re-signing their players for "decent" contracts, and that usually comes from the fact that the Spurs are good at drafting players with the right character, who value winning and team spirit over $$$.

This is why I wouldn't be surprised to see Kawhi stay in SA for less than the max. Especially after what he said after winning his FMVP, to the tune of "my agent will talk to the Spurs and I'm sure they'll agree on something fair and I'm not worried in the least about it".

[dabom]

Kawhi definitely deserves max money, just in the same way Tony did when he got his FMVP. Tony turned down max money just the same way Tim and Manu took paycuts.

It's not because Kawhi deserves max money that the Spurs are going to sign him for that much. The Spurs tend to be pretty good at re-signing their players for "decent" contracts, and that usually comes from the fact that the Spurs are good at drafting players with the right character, who value winning and team spirit over $$$.

This is why I wouldn't be surprised to see Kawhi stay in SA for less than the max. Especially after what he said after winning his FMVP, to the tune of "my agent will talk to the Spurs and I'm sure they'll agree on something fair and I'm not worried in the least about it".

I agree.

[Mel_13]

Kawhi definitely deserves max money, just in the same way Tony did when he got his FMVP. Tony turned down max money just the same way Tim and Manu took paycuts.

It's not because Kawhi deserves max money that the Spurs are going to sign him for that much. The Spurs tend to be pretty good at re-signing their players for "decent" contracts, and that usually comes from the fact that the Spurs are good at drafting players with the right character, who value winning and team spirit over $$$.

This is why I wouldn't be surprised to see Kawhi stay in SA for less than the max. Especially after what he said after winning his FMVP, to the tune of "my agent will talk to the Spurs and I'm sure they'll agree on something fair and I'm not worried in the least about it".

That's probably the NBA source cited in the tweet in post#1.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Spurs should wait to resign Kawhi next year. Its most beneficial for them being they can offer a 5 year contract at any salary.

I don't see the Spurs offering him the max. He is not worth the max. He still has a lot to prove. I see the Spurs offering him a 5 year deal worth 70mil next year and him accepting it.

He is a guy that knows his roots and he knows he wouldn't even be in this circumstance if not for Pop and Chip coaching him to be the player he is today. Being the highest paid player of the team, Kawhi will humbly accept that. Not all Americans are money hungry idiots.

Kawhi is around guys that took less to be with the Spurs. Even Diaw could have gotten a 9-10 mil a year deal this year. I thought it was Bogus when someone tweeted that is what he wanted. That is probably what other teams offered. But he stayed for FMV and honestly I don't think he even took any other teams calls. I see the same scenario playing out with Kawhi.

[will_spurs]

That's probably the NBA source cited in the tweet in post#1.

Kawhi said that in an interview after the Finals, I'll try to find the video.

[Mel_13]

Kawhi said that in an interview after the Finals, I'll try to find the video.

I remember the interview.

My comment was meant to be a sarcastic jab at the quality of the "NBA sources" in so many of these tweets. In other words, the guy responsible for the tweet watched the Kawhi interview and the only "NBA source" for his tweet is Kawhi's own words.

[MaNu4Tres]

Kawhi definitely deserves max money, just in the same way Tony did when he got his FMVP. Tony turned down max money just the same way Tim and Manu took paycuts.

It's not because Kawhi deserves max money that the Spurs are going to sign him for that much. The Spurs tend to be pretty good at re-signing their players for "decent" contracts, and that usually comes from the fact that the Spurs are good at drafting players with the right character, who value winning and team spirit over $$$.

This is why I wouldn't be surprised to see Kawhi stay in SA for less than the max. Especially after what he said after winning his FMVP, to the tune of "my agent will talk to the Spurs and I'm sure they'll agree on something fair and I'm not worried in the least about it".

I've said the same numerous times in various threads in regards to Leonard and his extension.

I agree.

[dbreiden83080]

Tony's salary will have zero impact on the offers that Kawhi will command from other teams.

If the Spurs aren't willing to go well above 12M per year for Kawhi, they'd better have plans to replace him or simply hope that he's willing to give them a substantial discount.

I don't think he is worth way above 12 mil right now he is a young player on the rise with a lot to prove. To me you get those max type deals once you have proven to be a franchise player.. There are teams out there willing to pay that beforehand but that doesn't make it a smart move. I would seriously roll the dice and see what kind of offers he gets and if someone is willing to greatly overpay him now than it's a tough call at least IMO.. These same people that are freaked out about losing him now in 3 years time with Tim and Manu and maybe even Tony gone will be screaming about KL salary if his offensive game isn't up to par.

[dbreiden83080]

I've said the same numerous times in various threads in regards to Leonard and his extension.

I agree.

He is due to make 2.9 mil next year.. Spurs could offer him 4 years at 40 mil and that would be one hell of a raise..

[MaNu4Tres]

He is due to make 2.9 mil next year.. Spurs could offer him 4 years at 40 mil and that would be one hell of a raise..

Still think that's too low.

I think 4/50 would be about right. IMO.

[Mel_13]

I don't think he is worth way above 12 mil right now he is a young player on the rise with a lot to prove. To me you get those max type deals once you have proven to be a franchise player.. There are teams out there willing to pay that beforehand but that doesn't make it a smart move. I would seriously roll the dice and see what kind of offers he gets and if someone is willing to greatly overpay him now than it's a tough call at least IMO.. These same people that are freaked out about losing him now in 3 years time with Tim and Manu and maybe even Tony gone will be screaming about KL salary if his offensive game isn't up to par.

I don't have any issue with anyone saying that they're ok with the Spurs letting Kawhi walk if he receives an offer above a certain level, 12M a year in your case.

Arguing that he won't command a max offer next summer, after seeing the offers for Hayward and Parsons this summer, just flies in the face of the facts. The major forces affecting the market make a max offer for Kawhi even more likely next summer than it would have been this summer, the most significant being yet another large increase in the salary cap. There will simply be even more money in next summer's market.

[TheGoldStandard]

I don't have any issue with anyone saying that they're ok with the Spurs letting Kawhi walk if he receives an offer above a certain level, 12M a year in your case.

Arguing that he won't command a max offer next summer, after seeing the offers for Hayward and Parsons this summer, just flies in the face of the facts. The major forces affecting the market make a max offer for Kawhi even more likely next summer than it would have been this summer, the most significant being yet another large increase in the salary cap. There will simply be even more money in next summer's market.

Exactly, there will be a plethora of teams who are clearing cap space to try to land a FA and they'll throw a boat load towards Kawhi.

[Obstructed_View]

Arguing that he won't command a max offer next summer, after seeing the offers for Hayward and Parsons this summer, just flies in the face of the facts.

He won't, for one simple reason: He'll likely be locked up before training camp even starts.

[Mel_13]

He won't, for one simple reason: He'll likely be locked up before training camp even starts.

That's entirely possible.

So, do you think he gets 5 years for the max, or 4 years for less than the max?

[DPG21920]

The ladder.























Yes that was on purpose.

[wildchild]

He is due to make 2.9 mil next year.. Spurs could offer him 4 years at 40 mil and that would be one hell of a raise..

You know about positional scarcity?

I can't wait to see other teams will offer him the max/4years deal next offseason. Teams like Lakers and Nets obviously don't care about being over the salary cap and they don't have a great/young SF like Kawhi.
Not only them, 26 teams of the league don't have that two-way player type in that position.

Sure, the Spurs'll match the offer (4 years and the last year player option like Love contract?) and then after three years Leonard will be able to sign with any team he chooses when Tim and Pop are gone.

If the Spurs aren't willing to offer Kawhi the 5 years deal this summer is because they're looking for another player in the FA next offseason to replace him as the face of the franchise.

But if the Spurs want Leonard to be a Spur for life, give him the max/5y deal, keep him happy and he'll never leave us.

[TheGreatYacht]

4yr/60M

[Proxy]

Y1 16.63
Y2 17.87
Y3 19.12
Y4 20.37
Y5 21.61

[illusioNtEk]

He is due to make 2.9 mil next year.. Spurs could offer him 4 years at 40 mil and that would be one hell of a raise..


are you freaking kidding me? do you want to loose him or what?

[Ice009]

He is due to make 2.9 mil next year.. Spurs could offer him 4 years at 40 mil and that would be one hell of a raise..

Are you joking or what? What a ridiculous low ball offer that would be to start the negotiations off. Do you want Kawhi's people pissed off from the get go? If he wants to take a pay cut and help the Spurs out, I seriously doubt it's going to be that low of a number.

[Chinook]

Again, I am one of the people who thinks Kawhi is overrated and has a lower ceiling, and even I think maxing him out is a no-brainer. It's just not worth the money to lose him. The Big Three have taken pay cuts precisely so the Spurs could pay market value for their teammates. It would be an insult to them to not pay Kawhi.

[dbreiden83080]

Are you joking or what? What a ridiculous low ball offer that would be to start the negotiations off. Do you want Kawhi's people pissed off from the get go? If he wants to take a pay cut and help the Spurs out, I seriously doubt it's going to be that low of a number.

Is 12 mil a lowball offer? It's what our all star former finals MVP pg is currently making. I'm sure tony will be thrilled to hear this guy is raking in 20 mil 3 years into his tenure..

[SpursFan86]

Is 12 mil a lowball offer? It's what our all star former finals MVP pg is currently making. I'm sure tony will be thrilled to hear this guy is raking in 20 mil 3 years into his tenure..

Splitter made more money than Manu last year. Didn't seem to cause too many problems.

[exstatic]

Is 12 mil a lowball offer? It's what our all star former finals MVP pg is currently making. I'm sure tony will be thrilled to hear this guy is raking in 20 mil 3 years into his tenure..

You're still thinking it's about what you think or what Tony thinks or whatever. It's about what he can get on the open market, period.

[dbreiden83080]

You're still thinking it's about what you think or what Tony thinks or whatever. It's about what he can get on the open market, period.

Nobody knows that until he hits it.. If he was offered a 4 year 48 mil deal by the spurs I think he'd probably sign it.. And if a team like Houston will pay him 20 mil now they can have him. Kl is not leading this team to chips. He doesn't have that level of talent.. He is a Scottie not a Jordan..

[ducks]

you think james is worth the max?

[illusioNtEk]

Nobody knows that until he hits it.. If he was offered a 4 year 48 mil deal by the spurs I think he'd probably sign it.. And if a team like Houston will pay him 20 mil now they can have him. Kl is not leading this team to chips. He doesn't have that level of talent.. He is a Scottie not a Jordan..

you must be fucking blind or not watch any spurs games. KL makes the spurs an elite team. Without his defense and scoring ability the Spurs would not be able to have won the championship.

I think a 5 year 80 million would be fair contract.

If not he will be a free agent in 2015 and there will be teams willing to offer max money.


Oh and one more thing... Jordan wouldn't be what he is without Scottie.

[dbreiden83080]

you must be fucking blind or not watch any spurs games. KL makes the spurs an elite team. Without his defense and scoring ability the Spurs would not be able to have won the championship.

I think a 5 year 80 million would be fair contract.

If not he will be a free agent in 2015 and there will be teams willing to offer max money.


Oh and one more thing... Jordan wouldn't be what he is without Scottie.

I'm talking about the future not now. He is not a franchise level guy. If you think years from now the spurs are going up against durant and Westbrook with kl as the main piece and winning you are completely delusional..

[Ice009]

Is 12 mil a lowball offer? It's what our all star former finals MVP pg is currently making. I'm sure tony will be thrilled to hear this guy is raking in 20 mil 3 years into his tenure..

Are you still defending that offer? I'm not even going to respond with any kind of reasoning. If you can't understand free agency and what other players are getting on the open market, then I don't know think there's anything more anyone can tell you.

[barbacoataco]

They have to make a strong offer and wrap him up. Personally, I'm a little worried about his knees and question his durability. But they might as well lock him up and roll the dice.

[Ice009]

Personally, I'd like him to take a little less than the max if it will help the Spurs in getting better players around him, but I wouldn't low ball him and ask him to take a lot less than guys like Chandler Parsons and Gordon Hayward got this off-season.

That's the quickest way to piss off Kawhi and his agent.

[Prime Time]

I'm talking about the future not now. He is not a franchise level guy. If you think years from now the spurs are going up against durant and Westbrook with kl as the main piece and winning you are completely delusional..
Nostradamus predicting Kawhi's career. I assume back in 2012 you'd knew he'd win Finals MVP at age 22 as well, right?

You don't win the Finals MVP at a historically young age and not get the max. I can't believe how many people are arguing this.

If Kawhi signs for anything less, it was on his terms.

[exstatic]

Nobody knows that until he hits it.. If he was offered a 4 year 48 mil deal by the spurs I think he'd probably sign it.. And if a team like Houston will pay him 20 mil now they can have him. Kl is not leading this team to chips. He doesn't have that level of talent.. He is a Scottie not a Jordan..

Kawhi grew up in the Inland Empire of SoCal. He idolized Shaquille and Kobe, and has said that he incorporated elements of both of their games into his. The Lakers will have a shit pot of money again next year. Do the math. They WILL drop a MAX offer sheet on him if he hits the market next summer.

[exstatic]

They have to make a strong offer and wrap him up. Personally, I'm a little worried about his knees and question his durability. But they might as well lock him up and roll the dice.

There is nothing at all wrong with his knees and never has been.

[Mnky]

Nostradamus predicting Kawhi's career. I assume back in 2012 you'd knew he'd win Finals MVP at age 22 as well, right?

You don't win the Finals MVP at a historically young age and not get the max. I can't believe how many people are arguing this.

If Kawhi signs for anything less, it was on his terms.

People forget that Kawhii should have been a top 10 pick as well. The Jazz passed on him twice with two top 15 picks.. wasn't it? The Spurs were extremely lucky to be in the position to have a piece the Pacers were in need of, and to have him fall so far. They should have never..realistically came close to drafting Leonard without losing someone like a Manu.


One of the reasons people didn't pick him up was the worry of his shot translating on the pro level. Now...
Kawhi is crazy efficient when he's on. He was keeping up with Lebron James scoring in game 3 and 4, taking Half the amount of shots with the Heat actually focusing on him. That's ridiculous.

[dabom]

People forget that Kawhii should have been a top 10 pick as well. The Jazz passed on him twice with two top 15 picks.. wasn't it? The Spurs were extremely lucky to be in the position to have a piece the Pacers were in need of, and to have him fall so far. They should have never..realistically came close to drafting Leonard without losing someone like a Manu.


One of the reasons people didn't pick him up was the worry of his shot translating on the pro level. Now...
Kawhi is crazy efficient when he's on. He was keeping up with Lebron James scoring in game 3 and 4, taking Half the amount of shots with the Heat actually focusing on him. That's ridiculous.

Comparing a top 10 not even a top 3 or nothing to 2011 manu is absurd.

[hitmantb]

Spurs was headed for a Utah Jazz 1998 ending after the series was tied 1-1 going into Miami.

Kawhi basically completely canceled out LeBron next three games, offense/defense/crazy EFFICIENCY, he carried the Spurs and changed the series. Anyone who can cancel out LeBron for three straight games on the biggest stage is going to get paid.

If Parsons can get 15 million a year, finals MVP is getting a max for sure. If Kawhi leaves a couple of million on the table as a courtesy for Spurs family and appreciate of Pop, good for him, but max is fair price to pay for a finals MVP period.

[Mnky]

Comparing a top 10 not even a top 3 or nothing to 2011 manu is absurd.


That wasn't a comparison. I was referring to how little the Spurs gave up, and what most would have to give up in the same circumstance. Manu was the only significant trade asset at the time that was notable. Getting the pick for George Hill was a steal. A steal to pick a top 10 pick that shouldn't have been there. I was pointing out how incredibly lucky the Spurs were for all this to happen.

Had nothing to do with comparison of players.

[ajh18]

That wasn't a comparison. I was referring to how little the Spurs gave up, and what most would have to give up in the same circumstance. Manu was the only significant trade asset at the time that was notable. Getting the pick for George Hill was a steal. A steal to pick a top 10 pick that shouldn't have been there. I was pointing out how incredibly lucky the Spurs were for all this to happen.

Had nothing to do with comparison of players.

Spurs were lucky, but made a lot of that luck themselves.

-No one new who Hill was, or what IUPUI was, when we drafted him. People all over the board were screaming to draft a PG from a bigger-name school. The Spurs recognized the potential, and developed his talent to the point where another team was willing to trade a pick at 15 for someone we drafted at 26.

-It's hardly as if Kawhi was the only borderline top-ten pick to fall into the teens over the last several years. Most of those don't pan out. Spurs recognized the potential and made the deal, trading a proven rotation player for an unproven rookie who had dropped in the draft.

Essentially, the Spurs scouting and player development teams turned a 26th pick into a player most would now call a top-3 pick in his respective draft. That's talent, not just luck.

[exstatic]

Spurs were lucky, but made a lot of that luck themselves.

-No one new who Hill was, or what IUPUI was, when we drafted him. People all over the board were screaming to draft a PG from a bigger-name school. The Spurs recognized the potential, and developed his talent to the point where another team was willing to trade a pick at 15 for someone we drafted at 26.

-It's hardly as if Kawhi was the only borderline top-ten pick to fall into the teens over the last several years. Most of those don't pan out. Spurs recognized the potential and made the deal, trading a proven rotation player for an unproven rookie who had dropped in the draft.

Essentially, the Spurs scouting and player development teams turned a 26th pick into a player most would now call a top-3 pick in his respective draft. That's talent, not just luck.

It wasn't lucky that they recognized and took advantage of a great situation, but it was EXTREMELY lucky that Kawhi fell to 15, when some sites had him as high as #6.

[Ice009]

It wasn't lucky that they recognized and took advantage of a great situation, but it was EXTREMELY lucky that Kawhi fell to 15, when some sites had him as high as #6.

Exactly.

[wildchild]

It wasn't lucky that they recognized and took advantage of a great situation, but it was EXTREMELY lucky that Kawhi fell to 15, when some sites had him as high as #6.

Agree.

"Before that draft, Leonard had to slow down his workout schedule with an Achilles and ankle injury, forcing him to skip a late June session with the Milwaukee Bucks. Between the poor shooting and those injury doubts, there was an uneasiness of teams on draft night. This gave the Spurs a chance"
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/how-kawhi-leonard-revived-the-spurs--fading-dynasty-081409439.html

[Mnky]

Spurs were lucky, but made a lot of that luck themselves.

Essentially, the Spurs scouting and player development teams turned a 26th pick into a player most would now call a top-3 pick in his respective draft. That's talent, not just luck.

The Spurs are an amazing front office, but the Kawhii thing was very lucky. Talent had little to do with the way things went down unless they convinced all the other tems exactly how to draft so the perfect sceenario would play out for them.

Getting Kawhii was like getting Duncan. Dominoes just fell in place. Granted, the talented front office made the most of the opportunity.

[spurraider21]

there aren't a lot of guys in the NBA who can match up against LeBron and not look like they're helpless. keep kawhi. the guy is still what, 22?

[ajh18]

The Spurs are an amazing front office, but the Kawhii thing was very lucky. Talent had little to do with the way things went down unless they convinced all the other tems exactly how to draft so the perfect sceenario would play out for them.

Getting Kawhii was like getting Duncan. Dominoes just fell in place. Granted, the talented front office made the most of the opportunity.

I guess the distinction I'm getting at is the following:

I'm looking at "luck" as having an opportunity to do something that any team would do, but circumstances make it so that it benefits you. The ping-pong balls letting the Spurs pick first and get D-Rob and Tim was good luck. Any team would have taken those two players, but we were lucky enough to be the team that was able to.

I'm attributing the Kawhi situation to our front office's "skill" or "talent" because lots of other teams could have done what the Spurs did, but for whatever reason chose not to. To me, that lack of foresight on their part and ability to take advantage on our part goes to the skill of the front office.

[Dex]

there aren't a lot of guys in the NBA who can match up against LeBron and not look like they're helpless. keep kawhi. the guy is still what, 22?

Kawhi outplayed Lebron James in the last 3 games of the 2014 NBA Finals. And that's with Lebron playing at an extremely high level.

You do what it takes to lock him up.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Kawhi is clearly going to be the leader of the next generation of Spurs basketball. If we have to pay him the max we will, and feel good about it at the same time. All that remains to be decided is the details.

[TheGreatYacht]

Spurs should've offered the extension a long time ago. Before his agent saw Hayward, Parsons, and Kyrie get overpaid

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Spurs should've offered the extension a long time ago. Before his agent saw Hayward, Parsons, and Kyrie get overpaid

How do you know they didn't?

Would not have mattered anyway. Everyone, and particularly Kawhi's agent, could see the upward trajectory he has been on for at least two years now (and really since 40 games into his rookie year). He was always going to get a big payday.

I'm not sure why everyone is so concerned about giving Kawhi the max? We have a well constructed cap sheet and plenty of money to offer him, while he is a worthy recipient.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Spurs should've offered the extension a long time ago. Before his agent saw Hayward, Parsons, and Kyrie get overpaid

Like before he was eligible for an extension?

[exstatic]

Like before he was eligible for an extension?

EXACTLY! The first time they could offer him a piece of paper to sign was THIS MONTH. He had already blown up TWICE in the Finals.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Like I said, if he signs an extension this year, it will be for at most 14mil a year. A 4 year 55mil a contract. Kawhi is not a money hungry guy. He came from a poorer family and his father obviously taught the value of hard work.

He knows he has a lot to still prove and improve upon. Plus he is a team player is not going to jeopardize winning for being grossly overpaid. 4yr 55mil is what is fair for Kawhi. IMO, I don't think he is going to sign for the Max this time around.

Only two players have ever got the Max in the past 25 years for the Spurs and that is DRob and Duncan. Spurs don't go around over paying players b/c they don't draft or sign FA that are money hungry. They pay them what they are worth and don't low ball them.

If anything, its usually the players that want to take less so they have a better opportunity of winning.

[benefactor]

Spurs should've offered the extension a long time ago. Before his agent saw Hayward, Parsons, and Kyrie get overpaid
Great idea. I should start asking my boss for my annual raise a couple of months beforehand. He'd totally understand I'm missing out on the money and need it right now.

[Old School 44]

Kawhi should get the max if he wants it. He's that good and still improving. Ask yourself, how many players at his position would you trade him for straight up?

Kawhi's a perfect Spur...humble, fantastic work ethic, gym rat who wants to improve, a young kid Pop can be a father figure to, similar to TD and TP. I love the clip of Kawhi hugging Pop after the Finals, saying "Thanks for pushing me!"

[Dverde]

I believe if we wait until next year. We can sign him for an additional year. I could be wrong on that. It is obvious to me someone will offer him the max, he is going to want the max, Spurs will pay the max. To me it is merely about how long the contract will be.