San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard is unlikely to agree on a contract extension ahead of the Friday midnight deadline, according to league sources.
Leonard and the Spurs have engaged in more serious discussions this week, but the two parties have been unable to agree on terms, which will result in the 23-year-old becoming a restricted free agent in July.
The reigning NBA Finals MVP has been labelled the future of the franchise and he was a key figure in their run to a championship last season.
However, the Spurs are keen wait until the off-season to address his future as they look to maintain maximum financial flexibility in the summer, according to ESPN.
If the Spurs were to extend Leonard's deal now and either Tim Duncan or Manu Ginobili opted to retire at the end of the season, or both, San Antonio's cap space to replace them would be significantly less.
