Spurs rumors: Kawhi Leonard stalls contract talks with Jordan Brand

By Rob Wolkenbrod | Mar 4, 2018

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard does not have a contract extension with the team yet, but recently worked on one with Jordan Brand.

In 2019, San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard can become a free agent, pending he opts out of his contract’s final season. Given the deals handed out to Stephen Curry, James Harden, LeBron James and other star players, Leonard’s average annual salary could fall within a $30-35 million range.

Before that happens, potentially this summer, the Spurs star discussed a contract extension with another organization he’s part of. Except it’s the Jordan Brand, the shoe company he’s part of.

According to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright and Ramona Shelburne (h/t Bleacher Report), Leonard was “very close” to a new deal with Jordan Brand worth four years and over $20 million. However, this stalled the talks between the two sides and there are “no current” discussions due to this::

“But discussions broke down abruptly because representatives for Leonard didn’t feel that the new deal reflected the forward’s accomplishments and standing within the league, sources said.”

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The report did not note how much Leonard wants, but a signature shoe was not included in the offered contract. It meant he would not receive the “5 percent royalty on all footwear and apparel sold,” which limits future earnings.

Jordan Brand also has an exclusivity window to negotiate with Leonard that expires in July. Once this ends, he can talk with other companies in the late summer and sign something after his deal with Jordan Brand expires on Oct. 1. However, once there’s an agreement with another company, the Jordan Brand has 10 days to match it.

Leonard was not marketed often, but, when healthy he acts as an All-Star and MVP candidate, which he finished in third for the 2016-17 season. The 2017-18 season only saw him play in nine games, as of Sunday, but a return might happen this month.

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Leonard’s talks with Jordan Brand begins the first set of negotiations, before the one everyone keeps their eye on arrives in the 2019 offseason. Stay tuned.

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