Paul George told NBA reporters on Wednesday that he would like to retire with the Los Angeles Clippers. The All-Star small forward and the Clippers have had dialogue about an extension.
The Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard in the summer of 2019 and traded for George from the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, the franchise hasn’t reached the NBA Finals yet. Leonard and George have only played in 118 regular-season games together. Both stars have been prone to injuries since becoming teammates.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Leonard averaged 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists in Games 1 and 2 of the first round of the 2023 playoffs against the Phoenix Suns before missing the rest of the series with his knee injury. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year signed a four-year, $176.3 million contract with the Clippers in August 2021.
Leonard missed the entire 2021-22 season recovering from an ACL injury. He will make $45.6 million this season. His player option for the 2024-25 season is worth $48.8 million.
Leonard appeared in 52 games last season, averaging 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Meanwhile, George averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Clippers last season. The 33-year-old signed a four-year, $176 million maximum extension in December 2020. George will make $45.6 million this season and has a player option worth $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season.
The Clippers are potentially facing a crossroads with their roster since Leonard and George both have player options for the 2024-25 season. If Los Angeles doesn’t compete for a title this season, the Leonard-George era could be over.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Leonard and George are on track to be 100% for the start of the regular season. Leonard underwent offseason knee surgery, while George missed the entire 2023 postseason with a sprained right knee.
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