Since 1998, every member of the San Antonio Spurs has always put the needs of the team above himself. And as Tim Duncan readies to hand the reins to a similarly mild-mannered successor, it appears that will remain the case for the foreseeable future.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Kawhi Leonard has agreed to the framework of a five-year, max-level extension that will keep him in the Alamo City through the 2019-2020 season. However, the contract won’t be signed until San Antonio handles other pertinent offseason matters.
After the San Antonio Spurs presented an offer of a maximum contract extension to his representatives, star forward Kawhi Leonard has agreed to the framework of a five-year deal that could be worth in excess of $90 million, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
“I have every intention of signing with the San Antonio Spurs,” Leonard said in a statement. “There are details in the contract which need to be worked out with the organization. I am confident that this will be accomplished.”
The “details” of which the reigning Defensive Player of the Year speaks is his team’s pursuit of marquee free agent LaMarcus Aldridge. The only way for the Spurs to add the four-time All-Star and retain Leonard is if they sign the former using cap space, then exceed the cap by inking the latter to the maximum contract allowable via Bird Rights.
Step one of San Antonio’s master offseason plan is in place. Next up for R.C. Buford and company is shedding enough salary to sign Aldridge to a max-level deal of his own via available room below the cap. There are many potential roads to that destination, but all of them are bumpy. With Leonard’s word in hand, the Spurs’ journey is off to a smooth start.
Congratulations, Kawhi!
[Via Yahoo Sports]
