Jordan Brand Will Reportedly Part Ways With Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard and Jordan Brand will reportedly be parting ways following the expiration of his current endorsement deal after both parties could not come to terms on an extenstion.

Kawhi Leonard Jordan Brand
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Image via Getty/Mark Sobhani

Kawhi Leonard Jordan Brand

If the reports are true, Kawhi Leonard will be joining yet another new team this year. According to Nick DePaula, Jordan Brand is prepared to let the newest Toronto Raptor walk after his current endorsement deal expires this October. 

Leonard's imminent departure from Jordan Brand does not come as a total surprise. This past March, the company reportedly offered him a 4-year/$22 million extension that was ultimately turned down by the NBA superstar and his camp. The parties not coming to terms on a new deal now means that Leonard will have carte blanche to sign with the brand of his choosing. 

Seeing where he lands will certainly be an interesting subplot to keep an eye on as he enters his first season in The North. Despite being top-tier talent in the NBA, Leonard is coming off of essentially sitting out the entire 2018 season with a lingering injury and a growing rift between he and the Spurs' front office being the major causes.

Leonard's superstar caliber of play has not led him to a signature model up to this point, although he was honored with Jordan Brand's recent "Pass the Torch" Air Jordan 1, as part of Nike's "Champions Think 16" pack. As an endorsee at JB, Leonard often promoted the annual Air Jordan performance model and was blessed with his own logo.

Potential suitors could include overseas brands as we've seen in the past with stars like Dwyane Wade and Klay Thompson. Perhaps even a newcomer like Puma could try and further bolster its young roster with a proven veteran.

With his departure, that will leave Jordan Brand with Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony as its highest-profile representatives.