Clippers Playing Hardball With Paul George’s Contract Has NBA Analyst Befuddled

Clippers Playing Hardball With Paul George's Contract Has NBA Analyst Befuddled

Paul George‘s time with the Los Angeles Clippers seems to be leading to an end. The veteran forward opted out of the final year of his contract with the team and is testing free agency this offseason. The two parties had an entire year to negotiate and avoid this situation. However, they couldn’t reach an agreement. George signing for another team has baffled many including Justine Termine.

The radio host called out the Clippers management for fiddling with the forward’s future. He claimed that the team could have easily afforded to concede to George’s demands. In return, he’d have ensured they remained contenders to win the title.

The anlayst was particularly taken aback that the franchise played hardball with the veteran forward, especially as they are getting a new home arena and PG is the safest bet to keep them in the championship race. He said,

“Steve Ballmer is by far the wealthiest in the sport… Clippers are entering this new arena next season. So it seemed to me like that is leverage for Paul George and with him, they can compete for a title. That’s how good they were at times last year…”

Termine added that the Clippers barely have any valuable assets and there’s almost no chance they can land a better player than George. He could still wind up re-signing with the franchise, but the possibility seems low. While the Clippers felt George wasn’t worth a max contract, several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, believe he is.

Paul George to the Golden State Warriors?

The Warriors are reportedly bidding adieu to Klay Thompson, who is set to sign elsewhere as a free agent, ending his 13-year stint with the franchise. The team allegedly wanted Paul George to fill the hole that the guard’s departure would cause.

They explored a sign-and-trade deal with the Clippers but walked away when they asked for Bradin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors felt the Clippers’ price tag was too steep and the two sides couldn’t agree to terms. Additionally, even CJ McCollum was convinced that George to the Bay would be a great idea.

George is now a free agent and can sign for any team he wishes. The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly the frontrunners to land him but the Warriors likely won’t give up until they’ve exhausted every avenue in their pursuit of the nine-time All-Star.

Post Edited By: Hitesh Nigam
Paul George

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Jay Mahesh Lokegaonkar

Jay Lokegaonkar is a basketball journalist who has been following the sports as a fan 2005. He has worked in a slew of roles covering the NBA, including writer, editor, content manager, social media manager, and head of content since 2018. However, his primary passion is writing about the NBA. Especially throwback stories about the league's iconic players and franchises. Revisiting incredible tales and bringing scarcely believable stories to readers are one his main interests as a writer.

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