Paul George's time with the Los Angeles Clippers has been the center of major rumors recently, and with the free agency period for the new season opening, his departure appears confirmed.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that PG's camp, through his agent, attempted to hash his contract out so he could stay, but it bore no fruit.
"Paul George's agent - Aaron Mintz of CAA - and Clippers president Lawrence Frank had a conversation a short time ago that resulted in no new movement on a deal and an acknowledgment by both that George is unlikely to return to the Clippers," the ESPN writer wrote on X.
Read more: Warriors' Dump is Spurs Gain; Do We Have a New Western Conference Contender?
The LA Clippers immediately released a statement after the Wojnarowski report detailing how the talks between the two camps broke down.
The team said there was a significant gap between what PG wants for his contract and what the Clippers can offer. The negotiations even started long ago when the new CBA was announced.
"We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart," the statement read.
"The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul's decision to look elsewhere for his next contract. We explored an opt-in and trade scenario, but it would have left us in a similar position under the new CBA, with very little asset value to justify the restrictions."
The team thanked him for his services, which it said were very productive for PG. He earned three All-Star honors in his five years there while also setting the record for most 3-pointers in franchise history.
PG was never the main player?
Several reports also indicated that PG was a second option for the Clippers when transferred there in 2019.
According to Brian Windhorst, PG was not informed that they would sign Kawhi Leonard.
"Paul George found out about it when the rest of the world found out about it," Windhorst said.
"So, I think what you have to do here, forget what the Clippers say. Judge them on their actions. Their actions over the season and their actions here on free agency indicate they're right to move on from Paul George. He's been told basically very clearly. So now, he's ready to move on from them."
Although it should be taken with a grain of salt, Windhorst's revelation was intriguing and might be the fuel that makes it easy for PG to look for a new team.
Paul George-Sixers tandem inevitable, too?
According to NBA University, PG remained one of the best two-way players last season with his "66.5 eFG% on 5.0 catch & shoot FGA/g-one of the NBA's most efficient off-ball scorers."
The Philadelphia 76ers, as Wojnarowski revealed, are the frontrunners to sign the nine-time All-Star.
PG is seeking a massive contract, and the Sixers have the pocket to make that happen.
The Orlando Magic wants a say, but PG, with his age, is looking for a team that can win now.
He and Joel Embiid flirted a little during the NBA Finals, and now, they could be playing sweet music soon.
What Embiid will get from PG is a Jimmy Butler, who is better in offense and defense.
Related article: Clippers Make Major Decision on James Harden Amid Free Agency Rumors
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
