Offering Leonard a Max Contract

[Chef Parish]

I know the Spurs can match. Is there any creative way of offering a max contract where the way its structured to a point where the Spurs would at least ponder about matching. Are years the only possible variable?  I'm sure this is wishful thinking and pointless considering Spurs wouldn't let him go at this point.

[kozlodoev]

I know the Spurs can match. Is there any creative way of offering a max contract where the way its structured to a point where the Spurs would at least ponder about matching.  I think Dallas did something along those lines with Chandler from Houston, not sure though. Are years the only possible variable?  I'm sure this is wishful thinking and pointless considering Spurs wouldn't let him go at this point.

Um... a max contract is a max contract, and that's how it's structured: at every point in time, it pays the max...

[35Lewis]

It works for non max players by putting in larger money up front or creating a balloon year like Lin.  It doesn't work with the max players.  I think he seems loyal and there is really no reason for him to leave (great management, great coach, and aging stars).  It's like working for Google as the assistant Vice President of marketing and the VP of marketing is retiring in 2 years.

[kozlodoev]

It works for non max players by putting in larger money up front or creating a balloon year like Lin.  It doesn't work with the max players.  I think he seems loyal and there is really no reason for him to leave (great management, great coach, and aging stars).  It's like working for Google as the assistant Vice President of marketing and the VP of marketing is retiring in 2 years.

To be precise, it works for one specific set of players that have a certain tenure in the league, and are signing 3-year contracts. Otherwise, the CBA has pretty specific limit on the max annual salary increase/decrease.

[Smitty77]

It works for non max players by putting in larger money up front or creating a balloon year like Lin.  It doesn't work with the max players.  I think he seems loyal and there is really no reason for him to leave (great management, great coach, and aging stars).  It's like working for Google as the assistant Vice President of marketing and the VP of marketing is retiring in 2 years.

The problem I have with this analysis is that Duncan will turn 39 in 19 days.  He will likely only play one or two more years, IF THAT.  Ginobili will turn 38 in July and could very well NOT be re-signed as he is a free agent.  Parker will be 33 in May and his game has been slightly above average this regular season.

I think Leonard is a very astute young man and knows that this RUN is quickly ending.  When it does, Pop is gone to retirement or the broadcast booth if he so chooses.

Seriously, given all of that, WHY would Kawhi re-up long-term in San Antonio??  Also, it is a small market team and they will be on the short end when the new TV contract kicks in per the experts.

I think, given the above facts, we have a shot!!!  S.A. simply does NOT own a TIME MACHINE!!!

Smitty77

[kozlodoev]

I think Leonard is a very astute young man and knows that this RUN is quickly ending.  When it does, Pop is gone to retirement or the broadcast booth if he so chooses.

Seriously, given all of that, WHY would Kawhi re-up long-term in San Antonio??  Also, it is a small market team and they will be on the short end when the new TV contract kicks in per the experts.

I think, given the above facts, we have a shot!!!  S.A. simply does NOT own a TIME MACHINE!!!

Smitty77

The only gaping hole in this argument is, of course, that even all these things considered, San Antonio may still be a better situation.

[CelticsFanFromNYC]

I think Leonard is a very astute young man and knows that this RUN is quickly ending.  When it does, Pop is gone to retirement or the broadcast booth if he so chooses.

Seriously, given all of that, WHY would Kawhi re-up long-term in San Antonio??  Also, it is a small market team and they will be on the short end when the new TV contract kicks in per the experts.

I think, given the above facts, we have a shot!!!  S.A. simply does NOT own a TIME MACHINE!!!

Smitty77

The only gaping hole in this argument is, of course, that even all these things considered, San Antonio may still be a better situation.

Would not be surprised if Patty  Mills turns to Parker Lite, and we already know what Danny Green does. Sign a big and the legend lives on!!

[GetLucky]

Fun Fact: The Spurs only have about $33 million committed in salary for next year. If their players (particularly Duncan and Ginobili) are smart about it, they can sign a max free agent, resign Leonard, and then sign basically their whole team back using Bird Rights to go over the soft cap.

[MasterEmile]

quote
They can't do that. Players turning into free agents remain on the team's salary cap until they either: a- Resign to a new deal b- Get renounced by their team (can't resign with bird rights)
So if they want a max free agent they need to do what Dallas/Dirk did, resign your star to a smaller contract clear their cap holds and then use it remaining cap space...