When Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, Leonard was seen as the franchise cornerstone, while George played the role of his high-caliber sidekick. Leonard, fresh off his second Finals MVP with the Toronto Raptors, brought George along to form a formidable duo. Despite George’s superstar status, Leonard has outscored him by nearly two points per game during their tenure together, further solidifying his position as the team’s primary star.
However, free agency changes the dynamic significantly. George, who can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, has expressed a desire to stay with the Clippers. Yet, the Clippers have so far been unwilling to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension they gave to Leonard. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, this hesitation stems from the precedent set by Leonard’s sub-max deal.
The Clippers hope that George will accept less money to stay in Southern California, his hometown. This approach, however, overlooks the fundamental principle of free agency: a player’s worth is determined by the highest bidder. Multiple teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, have shown interest in George, with the 76ers reportedly prepared to offer him a full-max contract worth $221 million over four years. Leonard could have commanded a similar deal but chose to extend early, whereas George’s patience now allows him to explore his market value.
Comparing the two players, it’s evident that while Leonard may be more accomplished, Paul George might be more valuable in certain respects. Both have faced injuries, but George has played 34 more games than Leonard (263 to 229) since joining the Clippers. Leonard’s injury history includes a torn ACL and lingering quadriceps issues dating back to his time with the San Antonio Spurs. In contrast, George’s injuries have generally been isolated incidents rather than chronic problems.
Moreover, George’s skill set makes him particularly valuable in today’s NBA. Elite wings who can both shoot and defend are incredibly rare and highly sought after. While Leonard also fits this mould, George’s availability on the free market makes him a prime target for teams looking to bolster their roster.
The Clippers face a significant dilemma if George decides to leave. Without control over their draft picks, they cannot simply rebuild through the draft. Additionally, the lack of available cap space means they cannot easily replace George with another top-tier free agent. Their competitive edge in recent years hinges on retaining George, even if it means offering him a contract that surpasses Leonard’s.
Ultimately, the Clippers have a month to reconsider their stance. Paying George more than Leonard might not align with their initial plans, but maintaining their competitive status likely depends on keeping both stars. As free agency looms, the Clippers must weigh the risks of losing George against the benefits of securing their future with a dynamic, albeit costly, duo.
Comments