The apotheosis of the San Antonio Spurs is set to have the most archetypal Spurs free-agent experience imaginable.
The steady development curve of Kawhi Leonard - one that's earned him a championship, an NBA Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year - will culminate with him landing a maximum contract as a restricted free agent this summer.
Like all things Spurs and all things Leonard, there will be no bluffing, no fanfare, and no drama. The Spurs will waste no time and play no games when it comes to locking up their new superstar, according to a report from Ken Berger of CBS Sports.
The Spurs expect to get Leonard's signature on a five-year maximum deal when free agency opens Wednesday, according to Berger. Based on the most recent estimates, that contract would pay Leonard roughly $90.9 million, though Berger reports the deal could have an early termination option (ETO) after the fourth season.
That ETO could be a way to have Leonard avoid seeking a shorter-term max contract elsewhere, which the Spurs would have to match and thus risk losing Leonard sooner. The option after year four would let Leonard re-enter free agency at age 28 - happy birthday, by the way - in an even more lucrative free-agent environment following the expected increases in the salary cap over the next several seasons.
Leonard averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and a league-high 2.3 steals this season, shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from long range. He's one of the league's premier wing defenders and has improved annually, even as more and more is asked of him. There's little question he's deserving of the max.
Once Leonard is signed, the Spurs will turn their attention to LaMarcus Aldridge before later doubling back to veterans Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, who have yet to make decisions on their futures but are expected to sign at discounted rates if they return. That may not leave enough room to re-sign Danny Green, who has plenty of suitors.
