Wednesday, November 27
    News Junkie Paradise – Whatfinger News - More news daily than any other news site on Earth - CLICK HERE

    Clippers Face Crucial Decision on Paul George’s Future Amid Contract Negotiations

    nephilaBy Sports 4 Mins Read

    The Clippers are having some issues.

    The Los Angeles Clippers face a critical decision regarding Paul George’s future with the team, which is even more pressing than their NBA draft considerations. The Clippers, without a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, only hold the 46th pick, typically used to select the best available player, likely a wing or guard.

    The paramount issue, however, is George’s player option for $48.7 million. He must decide by Saturday whether to opt-in or become a free agent if an extension agreement isn’t reached by Sunday. George is eligible for a four-year, $221 million extension with the Clippers, but negotiations have yet to yield a deal.

    Alongside George, Russell Westbrook and P.J. Tucker are also expected to exercise their player options worth $4 million and $11.5 million, respectively.

    Kawhi Leonard’s recent three-year, $152 million extension with the Clippers included discussions about a similar deal for George. Despite these talks, no agreement was made, and George addressed his future after the Clippers’ playoff elimination by the Dallas Mavericks, expressing his willingness to stay if it works out.

    Rumors are circulating about George potentially opting out, with teams like Philadelphia, Orlando, and Golden State showing interest. For a trade to the Warriors, George would need to opt-in to his current contract, followed by extension discussions.

    George had a strong 2023-24 season, playing 74 games, the most in his five seasons with the Clippers, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and a career-high 41.3% from three-point range. In the playoffs, he averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists against Dallas. George was instrumental in the Clippers’ first Western Conference finals appearance in 2021.

    Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, emphasized the team’s desire to retain George, valuing his contributions and acknowledging the challenges posed by the new collective bargaining agreement. Frank expressed optimism about keeping George, Leonard, and potentially free-agent James Harden for the team’s inaugural season at Intuit Dome.

    Frank declared, “We want Paul, we value Paul,” in May during the team’s exit interviews. “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 appropriately. We also need to assemble a team, particularly in light of the new CBA.”

    Key Points:

    i. The Los Angeles Clippers are focused on Paul George’s contract situation, with a decision needed on his $48.7 million player option by Saturday.

    ii. George can opt out and become a free agent if an extension deal is not reached; he is eligible for a four-year, $221 million contract with the Clippers.

    iii. Rumors link George to other teams like Philadelphia, Orlando, and Golden State, with potential trades contingent on his opting into the current contract.

    iv. George had a strong 2023-24 season, playing 74 games and averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and a career-high 41.3% from three-point range.

    v. Clippers’ president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, emphasized the team’s desire to retain George, highlighting his value and contributions to the team.

    James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

    Keep Reading

    Add A Comment

    Leave A Reply