When healthy, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard is arguably the NBA’s premier two-way threat and is expected to carry on a Spurs dynasty accustomed to championship runs. While this tumultuous 2017-18 campaign hasn’t been anywhere close to what either Leonard or the Spurs expected, ESPN’s Michael C. Wright reports that that won’t stop them from offering their superstar an extension this summer.
Part of the reason why Leonard’s return from a quad injury has been so arduous is because he reportedly has a gaudy $200 million max contract extension likely looming this offseason. Unsurprisingly, this makes the Spurs want to be extra cautious with who they hope to be their franchise centerpiece moving forward.
While there were rumblings of some tension between Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs organization, those may have been blown out of proportion. Leonard and head coach Gregg Popovich have long maintained what seems to be a sturdy relationship, and the 26-year-old recently even expressed his willingness to finish his career as a Spur.
Though it remains unlikely we see Leonard make a return from his troublesome injury sometime this season or postseason, there is clearly mutual interest in an extension.
Leonard’s injury has undoubtedly been tricky this season and may cause some doubt over his future but there is no question that the San Diego State product is worth a high-end max contract.
