Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is aiming to get a four-year contract this offseason, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
"Returning to the Clippers has long been regarded as George's preferred scenario, but L.A. is believed to this point to be offering a shorter deal along the lines of what it struck with Kawhi Leonard," he reported. "In January, without warning, it was announced that Leonard had signed a three-year extension with the Clippers in the $150 million range."
Stein reported Monday that "there is a growing feeling leaguewide that the 34-year-old picking up his $48.8 million player option for next season to force the Clippers to trade him is an increasingly realistic scenario."
Before the 2023-24 season tipped off, you would've bet the house on George staying on the Clippers long-term. They're moving into Intuit Dome next season, creating the need to maintain a title contender on the court. Team governor Steve Ballmer hasn't shied away from paying a premium on player salaries, either.
However, the structure of Leonard's deal signaled a subtle shift in how the organization is approaching the payroll, one likely necessitated by a far more restrictive collective bargaining agreement.
Ballmer simply can't write a blank check anymore because staying above the second apron in the luxury tax carries so many penalties.
That's setting the stage for pivotal negotiations with George, who will almost certainly get enticing offers elsewhere if the Clippers aren't prepared to meet his asking price.
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported Monday the Houston Rockets have shown some early interest. The nine-time All-Star has long been linked with the Philadelphia 76ers, who can create enough cap space to give him a max contract outright. Stein threw the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks into the mix as well.
The Clippers' misgivings on signing George for four years or more are understandable. He turned 34 in May and has consistently battled injuries for much of his tenure in Southern California. Los Angeles only has a solitary Western Conference Finals appearance to show for its grand experiment with George and Leonard so far.
But losing the 6'8" forward as a free agent would be a massive blow to the franchise's short-term title hopes.
