Kofi Inkoom
Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is reportedly planning to explore free agency after failing to secure a long-term deal with the team, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“He’s been in contract talks with the Clippers for a while now. No agreement yet, and it seems like he’s leaning towards testing free agency,” Brian Windhorst said “The big question is whether they’ll offer him a maximum contract. I doubt they’re inclined to do so. They didn’t give Kawhi a max deal. Some teams, like the 76ers, have the cap space for a max contract and would be interested. If the Clippers fear losing Paul George without offering him the max, they might cave in.”
Additionally, the Clippers have made several contract proposals to Paul George below the maximum, which he has turned down, as per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Now, both Paul George and James Harden are poised for free agency following their inability to secure long-term agreements with the Clippers. Neither player seems ready to commit to staying with the Clippers after their early exit from the playoffs.
“I’m not even thinking about that right now,” PG told reporters. “I have a lot to process, so I haven’t even considered it yet. I look forward to going back, decompressing, talking to my family, being around their support, and then figuring out the next step. … Yeah, it’s just not on my radar yet.”
The Clippers secured Kawhi Leonard with a three-year, $153 million extension in January, leading many to anticipate a similar deal for George shortly thereafter. However, months have passed without any agreement.
The standoff may boil down to whether the Clippers are willing to offer George a maximum contract. Leonard’s extension fell short of the max in terms of both years and money, and the Clippers may be reluctant to exceed that for George. It’s a reasonable stance, but George will have plenty of options in free agency.
The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly poised to have cap space for a max deal this summer and have George as their top target, according to reports. The Sixers present an opportunity to play alongside younger, healthier All-Stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.