I'm just not sure what to think of all of this. Obviously, we only have piecemeal information and so we don't have a clear picture of what is happening. I'm assuming one of two things is going on: (1) Kawhi is injured and is worried that if he doesn't get 100%, then he will risk losing his big payday...sounds like the tendonopathy or whatever can be a significant long term issue if it isn't resolved and maybe he's spooked because it isn't 100% even with all the rest and rehab; or (2) he may or may not be injured, but he wants out of SA and the powers that be are telling him that even if he doesn't get the super max, he'll make more money from endorsements, etc. if he plays in a larger market.
Under the first scenario, the Spurs are driving the bus because they can super max him. Under the 2nd scenario, Kawhi is driving the bus because the only way to get to a team that could hypothetically get him more endorsements would be to get to California (really one of the LA teams) or New York. That's pretty much it and he can force his way by saying those are the only teams with which he will sign an extension. And the assets from both those teams are less attractive. But I would think the Spurs would prefer to get a haul from NY over LA.
It will be an interesting summer.