Morten’s Monday Morning Column: NBA Contract Extensions

Jun 15, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward

(2) shoots against the Miami Heat in game five of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Whether San Antonio arranged to not extend Kawhi Leonard in order to have cap space next summer, or wanted him to come back with an offer sheet, is unknown. However, the Spurs know full-well that the defending Finals MVP will get a max offer next summer. Allowing themselves financial flexibility in the event that Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili retire after the season, the Spurs could simply choose to let Leonard wait for when they’ve done their shopping, though, they’d have to be quick about it before Leonard signs an offer sheet.

One approach to next summer could be informing Leonard and his agent, Brian Elfus, that they will get their money as soon as they’ve locked up available free agents. Leonard has a cap hold of just over $7.2 million which is a fair chunk, but it’s easier to work around that amount, than the $15 or so million he’ll start up with after re-signing.

Ruling: Clever, if done right.