Picture Kawhi Leonard in anything but the silver and black of the Borg-like Spurs. We bet you can’t — unless you’re a Lakers fan unwilling to embrace reality (Leonard is allergic to the Hollywood glitz and glam). That’s why San Antonio’s decision not to offer the 2014 NBA Finals MVP an extension by the Oct. 31 deadline was so hard to comprehend. But Leonard knows what the Spurs are doing, and — after leading them to a 89-85 win at Staples Center last night — he made it clear he’s not likely to go anywhere in restricted free agency next summer.
The Spurs are merely covering their bases, as we explained when it was clear San Antonio was going to let Leonard become a restricted free agent next summer. They have more cap room now, rather than a massive cap hold this summer if they’d already signed Leonard to a max extension. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili may or may not retire this summer, but both of them have expiring contracts. If they do retire, look for the Spurs to try and snag Marc Gasol away from re-signing with Memphis, and they’ll need the extra cap space if they’re going to also re-sign Leonard.
Kawhi, like the even-keeled guy he is, knows all this.
“I was never upset about (the extension),” Leonard told USA Today‘s Sam Amick after helping the Spurs win in LA last night. “I mean they explained to me what their deal is and why they didn’t do it yet. That’ll play out. I’m just here to play basketball and have fun and try to win another championship. If I think about that, then I’m not going to be the same player that I am and will be just out of it.
“I can’t be impatient. It would show on the floor, and I won’t compete if I’m thinking about getting the ball,” Leonard continued. “I’m just going out there to do my role, the same role — defense first and then see how the ball turns out on the offensive end.”
San Antonio’s coach offered up even more praise, mentioning Leonard’s selfless attitude despite his more tempered offensive role behind Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili:
“(Leonard) has never said one thing to me or asked me one thing about ‘Pop, why don’t we …?’ Or ‘Pop, why don’t you …?’ or, ‘Pop, can I …?'” Popovich said. “He just is unbelievably coachable and does whatever we ask him to do. He’s a coach’s dream, very honestly.”
Leonard reiterated his desire to stay right where he is, despite the inability to agree on a max extension with the Spurs in October.
“I don’t think I’m going anywhere,” Leonard said. “I mean they love me here. I like the organization, and if it was up to me, I want to finish out with one team like a lot of great players have done, to stay with one organization their whole career and just be loyal to that. You never know. We’ll see what happens next summer, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be in a Spurs jersey for my whole life.”
We really hope so because the thought of Leonard in any other jersey besides San Antonio’s makes us incredibly depressed. The player and team are perfectly suited to the rhythms of each other. Kawhi personifies the Spurs’ team-first ethos.
Will Leonard stay with the Spurs in July?
Follow Spencer on Twitter at @SpencerTyrel.
Follow Dime on Twitter at @DimeMag.
Become a fan of Dime Magazine on Facebook HERE.
