NOT LETTING PAUL GEORGE DICTATE HIS NEXT CONTRACT IS SMART FOR THE CLIPPERS
Paul George has a $48.8M player option for next season and is widely expected to decline that option and enter unrestricted free agency. He is also eligible to sign a contract extension with the LA Clippers.
However, neither George nor the Clippers front office have been able to reach an agreement.
NBA insider Marc Stein has reported that George's preferred choice would be to remain in Los Angeles. However, the Clippers may have to pay over the odds to keep their star forward around.
"More sources than not we've consulted believe George's preference, as a proud Southern California native, continues to be re-signing with the Clippers, but the incumbent team's apparent reluctance to extend George a longer or richer deal than Kawhi Leonard's recent three-year contract extension in the $150 million range has put George's future in legitimate flux," Stein reported on Sunday.
George has recently turned 34. He has been with the Clippers for five seasons. This season was the first time he played in more than 56 games since he moved to Los Angeles.
His injury issues, advancing age and the fact he's no longer in his prime are all legitimate reasons not to offer him a max contract extension.
Steve Ballmer and the Clippers front office won't want to overpay an injury-prone forward with no championship experience. When he's healthy, George is one of the best two-way forwards in the NBA. He's an elite scorer and exceptional on-ball defender. His health has been fleeting, though. He played just 48 games in the 2019-20 season and 31 in 21-22.
Retaining George is likely high on the list of the Clippers' priorities. However, they will want to sign him to a deal that makes sense for the franchise.
George has failed to bring success to the Clippers. He isn't a max-contract player anymore. If he's willing to accept a fair deal, he could spend the final years of his career in his hometown. If not, he may need to jump ship and join another contender.
George's best chance at contending for a championship is likely with the Clippers. He and Kawhi Leonard are still one of the best duos in the NBA. Money talks, though. George will likely go where the best contract offer is.
As such, both he and the Clippers will be waiting to see who blinks first. It will be interesting to watch this mini-saga unfold over the coming weeks.
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