NBA NEWS

Spurs, Leonard unlikely to complete deal

The Sports Xchange

October 31, 2014 at 10:50 am.

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard. Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs are unlikely to reach a contract extension by Friday’s midnight deadline to sign 2011 first-round picks to long-term deals. Without a new contract, Leonard will be a restricted free agent in July.

The Spurs expect Leonard to entertain maximum contract offers from other teams, but the franchise values financial flexibility and could subtract the contracts of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili from the books. Neither player is signed beyond 2014-15.

Leonard, 23, had a breakout season in 2013-14 and stood out in the 2014 NBA Finals against LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

Several 2011 first-round picks signed long-term contracts in the past several weeks, including Phoenix Suns forwards Markieff and Marcus Morris, Orlando Magic big man Nikola Vucevic, Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving and Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker.

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson said last week he was optimistic a long-term deal could be worked out by Friday’s deadline. Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio and Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler are also eligible for long-term deals before the RFA deadline.

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