San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard isn't upset with the team choosing not to give him a contract extension before the Oct. 31 deadline. Leonard told USA Today Sports that although he's set to become a restricted free agent in the summer, he doesn't foresee leaving San Antonio.
San Antonio and Leonard missed the deadline for rookie scale contract extensions, but it didn't bother him.
"I was never up about (the extension)," said the reigning NBA finals MVP. "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. If I think about that, then I'm not going to be the same player that I am and will be just out of it.
"I can't be impatient. It would show on the floor, and I won't compete if I'm thinking about getting the ball. I'm just going out there to do my role, the same role - defense first and then see how the ball turns out on the offensive end."
Trade rumors involving Leonard never picked up steam, despite his impending restricted free agency. That's because most consider the 23-year-old to be heir apparent to Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. San Antonio also certainly sees him as the future of the franchise, but given Leonard's passive attitude toward contract negotiations, saw no need to rush a deal.
For his part, Leonard doesn't see himself ever leaving the team.
"I don't think I'm going anywhere," he said. "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 my whole life."
