The San Antonio Spurs are a team built around veterans, but head coach Greg Popovich knows the importance of youth. That is why 24-year-old Kawhi Leonard will be promptly re-signed in free agency this offseason.
Leonard was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year this season despite missing 18 games. In addition to his stellar defense, Leonard set career highs in points (16.5), rebounds (7.2) and steals (2.3) per game. Leonard is visibly a player on the rise and the future centerpiece of the Spurs. He has earned everything that is coming to him.
"While the Spurs await official word that Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are coming back, their first order of business will be swift and simple: Re-signing defensive player of the year Kawhi Leonard to a five-year max deal, league sources told CBSSports.com.
"Don't expect any big recruitment meetings, songs or dances when the negotiating floodgates open just after midnight ET Wednesday - just a simple, quietly executed agreement that will keep Leonard in San Antonio well into his prime. The max deal is likely to have an early-termination option after the fourth season, sources said."
Leonard agreed to wait a year to receive his long-term extension from the Spurs so that the team could maintain financial flexibility. That will likely enable San Antonio to get in the running for free agent LaMarcus Aldridge. The Spurs are reportedly the No. 1 team on his wish list and a core built around him, Leonard, Tony Parker and a returning Duncan and Ginobili would be dangerous.
The only downside to all this is the likely departure of Danny Green in free agency. San Antonio is not expected to have enough salary cap space to retain the sharp shooting win and he has drawn considerable interest from the Dallas mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers and Detroit Piston already. Still, locking up the best defensive player in the league is worth it.
