Kawhi Leonard got his wish and is out of San Antonio but will suit up for the Toronto Raptors next year instead of his first choice in the Los Angeles Lakers. His career shakeup isn’t over as he will no longer be a Jordan Brand athlete.
ESPN’s Nick Depaula reports the iconic basketball brand will not pursue a further contract with Leonard. “Extension talks between Leonard the Nike subsidiary stalled earlier this year after Leonard turned down a four-year, $22 million extension,” the report states.
Negotiations between the two sides stalled and the two still have not been able to agree to terms. Kawhi Leonard’s deal would have paid him at $5.5 million per year, only active players to have a more lucrative offer are fellow Nike stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant at $32 million and $25 million, respectively.
After this season Kawhi will join a sneaker free agency with Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins, Demarcus Cousins and more. As far as Jordan Brand, their roster still has Jimmy Butler, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.
Companies were Leonard can land range from court icons like Adidas and Reebok to Chinese brands and companies looking to make an imprint in the future of hoops like the recently relaunched Puma Hoops.