Discussions between San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard and Jordan Brand for a new shoe deal have officially stalled, according to ESPN’s Michael Wright.
Both sides came close to an agreement, but the deal fell apart when Leonard’s representatives backed out of the agreement, according to the report.
Jordan Brand, which is a division of Nike, and Leonard’s representatives came “very close” to completion on a new four-year extension worth more than $20 million. 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.
Leonard, who’s in seventh NBA season, has played just nine games this season with San Antonio due to injury. He’s coming off a career-best season last year, where he averaged 25.5 points and 1.8 steals on 49 percent shooting from the floor.
Jordan Brand doesn’t pay any of its NBA players more than $10 million per season on a shoe endorsement deal right now, with Leonard currently making less than $500,000 on his Jordan deal. The two sides currently are not speaking, according to ESPN.
Leonard is expected to command a super-max extension with the Spurs this offseason, a contract that would be worth $219 million over five seasons. His deal with Jordan Brand is set to expire on October 1, and he’s eligible to hold meetings with other brands over the summer.
The Spurs are hopeful Leonard will return to the court this month, with the 27-year-old missing 54 games on the season and the team holding a 2-8 record over its past 10 games. At a 36-27 record, the Spurs’ 18-year record of winning 50 games or more is in immediate jeopardy. They must finish the season with a record of 14-5 or better to continue their streak.
