Kawhi Leonard: ‘I’ll be in a Spurs Jersey For My Whole Life’
Kawhi Leonard didn’t get an extension from the San Antonio Spurs, but he still believes he’s staying in San Antonio
You’d be hard pressed to find a San Antonio Spurs fan who doesn’t want the organization to open the coffers for Kawhi Leonard. They know the days of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are coming to a close and know that they have a gem on their hands in Leonard. That’s why it’s so refreshing to hear Leonard profess his love (and desire) to stay in a Spurs jersey for his whole life.
Leonard told USA Today the following, in relation to his inability to get an extension signed before the Oct. 31 deadline:
"I was never upset about (the extension). I mean they explained to me what their deal is and why they didn’t do it yet. That’ll play out. I’m just here to play basketball and have fun and try to win another championship…I don’t think I’m going anywhere. I mean they love me here. I like the organization, and if it was up to me, I want to finish out with one team like a lot of great players have done, to stay with one organization their whole career and just be loyal to that. You never know. We’ll see what happens next summer, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be in a Spurs jersey for my whole life."
The 2014 NBA Finals MVP has been fighting a nasty eye infection and hasn’t had the opportunity to play at full strength, though he did break through last night against the Clippers, scoring 26 points with 10 rebounds and three steals while shooting 10-for-18 from the field.
Leonard is largely viewed as the future of the Spurs, alongside Tony Parker. Knowing that it’s important to the franchise and important to Kawhi — nobody will be surprised to see the two sides come to an agreement after the season is over. A maximum deal would come out to approximately $86 million over five years.