Report: Talks between Jordan Brand and Kawhi Leonard stall over new shoe deal
What's the story?
Kawhi Leonard's talks with Jordan brand, regarding a new shoe deal, have stalled.
In case you didn't know
These rumors don't come at a good time. Leonard has only recently returned to San Antonio after spending around a couple of weeks in New York, getting a second opinion about his quad injury's rehab despite being medically cleared by his team to play.
Heart of the matter
Both parties, Leonard's representatives, and the Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, were "very close" to reaching a four-year deal in the vicinity of $20 million but the talks broke down, multiple sources told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Michael C. Wright. The report further states that the talks apparently broke down because people close to Leonard felt that the new deal didn't reflect the San Antonio Spurs' forward's accomplishments and position in the league.
Leonard has been in the Top 3 of the MVP Rankings the previous two seasons (2016 - 2nd, 2017 - 3rd). In just six seasons, Leonard has already been named a Finals MVP in 2014 and has been awarded the Defensive Player of the Year two straight years in 2015 and 2016. Not to mention, the player's two All-NBA selections (2016, 2017).
According to his current deal with the brand, Leonard earns less than $500,000 a year, an amount far lesser than the current deal on the table. In comparison, no other Jordan brand athlete receives more than $10 million. The report further adds that Leonard's new deal does not include a signature sneaker.
What's next?
Leonard's intentions aren't clear yet as to whether he wants to leave the brand or not. He and the Jordan Brand have until July to complete their negotiation before other companies are legally allowed to pitch their deals to Leonard.
Author's Take
This is the last thing Leonard and his party needed. The storm surrounding his prolonged quad rehab was just settling as he had returned to San Antonio a week back. Hopefully, these talks can come to a close quickly, to reduce the off-court pressure and controversy that Leonard has to face when he makes his on-court return.