After five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul George has signed a four-year, $212 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. On the latest episode of his podcast, “Podcast P,” George delved into the details of his departure from the Clippers, citing a “disrespectful” initial contract offer and unsuccessful negotiations as key factors.
Paul George, a Los Angeles native, had initially hoped to stay with the Clippers and win a championship in his hometown. However, the Clippers’ first offer of two years and $60 million set a negative tone. “I never wanted to leave L.A. This is where I wanted to finish,” George stated. “But the first initial deal was kind of disrespectful.”
Despite subsequent negotiations that raised the offer to around $44-45 million per year, George was still unsatisfied. He proposed receiving the same contract as his teammate Kawhi Leonard, who had signed a three-year, $153 million extension. “Just give me what Kawhi got. Y’all view us the same. We came here together,” George said, but the Clippers did not agree.
As the season progressed, George decided to halt further discussions to avoid negative energy impacting the team. After completing the season with 74 games and one of his most efficient performances, he revisited negotiations. The Clippers then proposed three years, $150 million, but George requested a no-trade clause to ensure stability. The Clippers refused, prompting George to seek a four-year, $212 million deal instead, which the Clippers also declined.
PG details how contract negotiations with the Clippers affected his decision to leave LA. pic.twitter.com/PU3Z5gZ94z
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) July 8, 2024
Ultimately, the Clippers’ unwillingness to meet George’s terms led him to explore other opportunities. “Through the negotiations, they weren’t budging, I wasn’t gonna budge,” George explained. “It didn’t even feel right to come back with that type of energy and be comfortable playing back in L.A.”
While the Clippers eventually offered a deal similar to Leonard’s, it was too late to bridge the gap. George’s comments suggest a lack of alignment between the two sides, possibly influenced by the financial constraints of the NBA’s second apron, which imposes severe penalties for exceeding salary thresholds.
The Philadelphia 76ers capitalized on the disconnect, securing George to form a formidable trio with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. This new lineup positions the 76ers as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference, potentially challenging the Boston Celtics for dominance.
Reflecting on his time with the Clippers, Paul George expressed disappointment but also clarity about his decision. “I thought I played well enough for them to be like, ‘you know what? He’s a part of our future,'” George said. Despite the missed opportunity to remain with the Clippers, George is now focused on his new chapter with the 76ers, eager to contribute to their quest for a championship.
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