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With Paul George and James Harden, the LA Clippers aim to play at their new home, the Intuit Dome, next season. The Clippers intend to keep both stars on board so that they can continue to play with Kawhi Leonard, according to Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations.
In the event that George and the Clippers are unable to reach a contract extension by June 30th, George will have a player option on the $48.8 million that is due for the upcoming season and will become a free agency. Harden will be free to sign with no restrictions. The point guard might put off making decisions about his future with the Clippers until after he sees what transpires with George.
Frank stated on Monday, “We’d like to be able to bring back and retain Paul and James.” “We hope we can, but we also acknowledge and appreciate their freedom as independent contractors. Paul must choose his course of action. James is a free agent and we want to sign him back, but we also understand that they’re great players and they’ll have great choices.
George can agree to a $221 million, four-year extension through June 30. If George becomes a free agency, the Clippers can still make him an offer of up to that amount. The Clippers can give a maximum that is $9 million more than other possible bidders. George expressed optimism that he and the Clippers may reach an extension agreement after the Clippers signed Leonard to a three-year, $150 million contract in early January. However, Frank claimed that negotiations were put on hold when the All-Star break approached.
George was questioned about if he saw himself playing for the Clippers long term alongside Leonard and Harden following LA’s 114-101 defeat in Game 6 against Dallas. Yes, George replied. “If it works that way, absolutely.” It will be challenging for them to improve the team because the Clippers are probably going to turn into a second-tier team.
Frank mentioned attempting to encircle his stars with additional complimentary pieces. Harden, Harden, and George are 34, while Leonard is 32. This season, George participated in 74 regular-season games—by far the most in his five seasons with the Clippers. This season, the All-Star averaged a career-high 41.3% from three, 5.2 rebounds, and 22.6 points.
In the first-round series versus Dallas, George averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. He also contributed to the Clippers’ first-ever trip to the Western Conference finals in 2021. “We value and want Paul,” Frank remarked. “Paul has accomplished a lot in this situation. He’s a top player, and our first priority is to always be able to pay and treat players fairly. We also need to assemble a strong team because this is a new CBA. I would never disclose the precise amount, though, other than to say that we’ve had some really excellent talks about it this year and I hope we can convince him to stay a Clipper.
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