It's been a complicated year for stoic superstar Kawhi Leonard.
Discussions with Jordan Brand about a new shoe deal for the San Antonio Spurs forward have reportedly stalled, sources told ESPN's Michael C. Wright and Ramona Shelburne. Leonard and the Nike affiliate were apparently very close to an agreement on a four-year extension worth more than $20 million, but sources said talks broke down suddenly because Leonard's team believed he deserved more.
Leonard has been a top-three MVP candidate in the past two seasons, as well as a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. The 2014 Finals MVP is currently earning under $500,000 on his current contract with Jordan Brand, which expires Oct. 1. However, if Leonard chose to sign elsewhere, a source says Jordan Brand has the right to match any outside offer.
The extension that Jordan Brand offered recently does not include a signature shoe, which would significantly increase the deal's value.
Leonard has missed most of the season with injuries, and at one point, reports suggested he was "distant" and "disconnected" from the Spurs franchise. He's reportedly expected to return to action at some point in March.
