To reiterate, there is no supermax unless you’re with the team that drafted you and they’re giving you a DVPE contract. There’s just a standard 35% max deal for ten year vets in Kawhi’s case.wait why couldn't the Lakers offer him a supermax in 2 years if he signs a 2-year deal with them today? He's got 8 years of service as of right now, that would bring him to 10 and make him eligible for the 35% max. Per CBA FAQ, he can't sign it early now because he hasn't been with the same team continuously, but anyone with 10+ years of experience and meeting the Designated Veteran criteria can be offered up to the 35% max, right?
He can sign a contract with an ETO with the Lakers to reach the 35% level as soon as possible, but that deal would only come with 5% annual raises as the Lakers wouldn’t have Bird Rights. Toronto does, so he can sign an ETO deal to reach his 35% max at the earliest possible date, and get 8% annual raises in the meantime.