Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson are likely to become free-agents next summer, as sources indicated their ball clubs are still not keen in offering a max deal both players desire. The Lakers, with a large chunk of cap space available next offseason, are certainly capable of signing these players once they hit the free-agency waters.
Kawhi, Spurs in Contract Impasse: According to veteran NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the Spurs have yet to sign Leonard to a contract extension.
Leonard, who became the third youngest player to win the NBA Finals MVP in June, is reportedly demanding a max contract that could pay him at least $83 million over five years.
Sources indicated the Spurs are offering a small-ball offer, which is reportedly the sticking point of a lengthy discussion between both parties. Leonard was sidelined on Tuesday's season-opener against the Dallas Mavericks due to an eye infection he suffered in the preseason.
"Kawhi Leonard is holding firm on his desire for a maximum contract, and extension talks with the San Antonio Spurs have failed to gather traction despite a looming Friday deadline, according to sources. No progress has been made despite discussions for weeks," via Yahoo Sports.
Klay Thompson Extension Talks Not Going Well: Golden State Warriors and one-half of the splash brothers have yet to come with an agreement with roughly 48 hours left before deadline.
Sources reported Thompson is eyeing a deal that could pay him at around $15M per year, while the Warriors already offered a contract worth at least $12M per year.
The 24-year old Thompson had a breakout year last season, averaging 18.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 35 minutes per game. He also helped Team USA to win their second straight gold medal at the FIBA World Championship, burning opposing teams with accurate three-point shooting and lockdown defending.
"The Dubs have until Friday to get a deal done, and Klay is seeking something in the ballpark of $15 million per season, according to sources. While the Warriors have reportedly improved their initial offer, they still haven't offered a full max-deal," via Rotoworld.
The Lakers opened the 2014-15 NBA season in a sour note as bad luck continues to strike the purple-and-gold franchise. With James Harden leading the way with 32 points, the Rockets blew by the Lakers 108-90 in a game that saw rookie Julius Randle suffered a broken tibia.
Randle's potential season-ending broken leg is just the latest of a myriad of players sidelined with injuries as Steve Nash is expected to miss the entire 2014-15 season with back problems while Nick Young set to miss the next four months with an injured thumb.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
