The Clippers have taken a step forward in their offseason plans with Kawhi Leonard signing a three-year, $149.7 million extension. Leonard agreed to a discount to stay with the team he wanted to play for, despite being offered more by other teams. However, the next domino, Paul George, has yet to sign an extension with the team. With other teams showing interest in George, negotiations with the Clippers have come to a standstill.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst, two teams closely monitoring George’s situation are the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams have the cap space and need for a veteran wing player like George. The Clippers are hesitant to offer George the max deal like they did with Leonard due to financial constraints and deep luxury tax implications. With George approaching 34 and a rule limiting the length of his contract, he has options to explore offers from other teams.
The Clippers are facing significant financial challenges as they must re-sign James Harden and an uncertain status of Russell Westbrook while also dealing with deep luxury tax implications. The team is hoping all four stars will take pay cuts to continue playing together in Los Angeles, but George may not be on board with that plan. As the offseason progresses, negotiations with George will be crucial in determining the Clippers’ roster for next season.