The Paul George puzzle is still unsolved.
According to ESPN, the Clippers I really want to keep it Despite being a nine-time All-Star, uncertainty hangs over the team.
The deadline on Saturday for George to decide on his $48.8 million player option is steadily approaching.
He is seeking a four-year contract extension worth up to $221 million, according to ESPN, but the Clippers have not moved to agree a deal for several months.
Despite the uncertainty, the Clippers remain hopeful that the 34-year-old George will want to stay close to his family’s hometown of Palmdale.
After the Clippers selected Cam Christie with the 46th pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank took the opportunity to thank George.
“He’s great. He’s an All-Star. He’s one of the best two-way players in the league,” Frank told reporters.
“He’s a great guy. He’s got a great family. So I hope he’s here, but I also respect the fact that if he chooses to step down, that’s his choice. He deserves it, so we’ll see what happens.”
If no extension is agreed by the deadline, George can choose to become a free agent or agree to a contract.
Even if he decides to play the final year of his contract, it’s possible that the Clippers will try to negotiate a trade with another team.
In January, the Clippers retained one of their key players, Kawhi Leonard. Three-year, $150 million contract extension.
The team is currently evaluating ways to retain George and fellow free agent James Harden to complete the “Big Three.”
The team is negotiating with Harden through his agents, Mike Silverman and Troy Payne.
“I think James is going to be great for us,” Frank said.
“We hope he had a great experience while he was here and we hope he decides to stay here. … We strongly encourage James to remain with the Clippers and we hope he decides to do so.”
