FILE PHOTO: Jan 5, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue looks on in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Clippers supporters are typically on edge, but currently, morale is soaring to possibly unprecedented levels. With several teams falling short of expectations and the youthful, postseason-untested Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves leading the Western Conference, the Clippers have a chance to seize the top spot.
While the ultimate goal for the franchise remains an NBA Finals appearance, reflecting their full investment in the present, there’s an urgent matter regarding the future: the contract situation of Paul George.
Following Kawhi Leonard’s massive three-year, $152.3 million extension signed on January 10, there’s an anticipation that the organization will prioritize securing George to maintain the core of the roster. However, progress in negotiations appears limited at the moment.
ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, speaking on Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, noted, “Paul didn’t make it sound like they were super close to getting a deal done for him, although he did say he was optimistic and wanted to remain with the Clippers, he also didn’t make it sound like they were kind of close.”
The ongoing contract talks, particularly when there’s a significant gap, pose the risk of extending into the playoffs, which could potentially disrupt the team’s focus. The Clippers need cohesion to reach their potential and realistically vie for a championship. Nonetheless, there’s no indication of animosity between George and the franchise, as he evidently enjoys his tenure with the team.
Windhorst concurs with Youngmisuk’s evaluation of the situation but also believes that the current atmosphere is conducive to eventually reaching an agreement. “No, obviously they’re not close because it’s been weeks and there’s been no deal,” he remarked. “I do think there has been intent on both sides to find a deal but there’s going to be some negotiation here, you know there was obviously negotiation with Kawhi.”
The upcoming weeks will reveal whether Los Angeles can finalize a deal or if management opts to observe the remainder of the season before making a decision. However, the commitment shown to Kawhi Leonard through his extension sends a strong message that owner Steve Ballmer is keen on maintaining this group as they transition into the Intuit Dome Era in the years ahead.
