Leonard's reps were "very close" to completing a new extension worth more than $20M with Jordan BrandGetty Images
Spurs F Kawhi Leonard will "likely be pondering a supermax contract extension over the summer, but off the court, talks between he and Jordan brand on a new shoe deal have stalled," according to sources cited by Wright & Shelburne of ESPN.com. Jordan Brand and Leonard's representatives came "very close" to completion on a new four-year extension worth more than $20M. But sources said that discussions "broke down abruptly because representatives for Leonard didn't feel that the new deal reflected the forward's accomplishments and standing within the league." Leonard earns "less than $500,000 per year in his current endorsement contract with Jordan Brand." It is "unclear whether Leonard intends to leave Jordan Brand when his contract expires on Oct. 1." But a source said that the shoe company "owns the right to match any competing offers." Once the brand's "exclusive negotiating window closes in July, Leonard and his representatives can start fielding potential new offers from other companies." No current Jordan Brand athlete in the NBA receives more than $10M per season in their shoe endorsement deal. Jordan's current extension offer also "does not include a Leonard signature shoe." Nike has "launched signature shoes for more than 21 NBA stars in its history, while Jordan Brand has been far more selective." Only Thunder F Carmelo Anthony, Rockets G Chris Paul, Heat G Dwyane Wade and Thunder G Russell Westbrook have "received a Jordan signature shoe to date" (ESPN.com, 3/4).
