The Los Angeles Clippers have been in negotiations with Paul George for a contract extension for some time now, but they have yet to reach an agreement. Despite this, the team remains optimistic that George will choose to stay with them when free agency begins in less than two weeks.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Clippers are confident that George, who has strong ties to Los Angeles, will want to remain with the team. They have offered him a three-year, $150 million contract to entice him to stay, which is a significant amount of money.
However, the Clippers have set a limit on how much they are willing to offer George, refusing to exceed the $149.7 million contract they gave to Kawhi Leonard earlier this year. This could be a sticking point in the negotiations, as George may feel he deserves a larger contract based on his performance and injury history.
A potential four-year maximum contract extension for George would be worth $221.1 million, but signing a five-year contract with the Clippers is not a viable option due to NBA rules. This limits the team’s bargaining power in discussions with George.
While there have been rumors that other teams, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers, may be interested in signing George if he becomes a free agent, it seems that the Sixers’ interest has diminished as the free agency period approaches. This could impact George’s decision-making process as he weighs his options.
George previously played for the Thunder before joining the Clippers, but it is unlikely that he would return to Oklahoma City at this point in his career. His desire to play in Los Angeles and be close to his family will likely influence his final decision regarding his contract extension.
Overall, the Clippers are hopeful that George will choose to remain with the team, but negotiations are ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain as free agency approaches. Fans will have to wait and see what decision George ultimately makes regarding his future with the team.
