When the LA Clippers traded for superstar Paul George last summer, it was with the understanding that both he and Kawhi Leonard were coming on board for the long haul. The situation was the same for Anthony Davis when the Los Angeles Lakers traded for the New Orleans Pelicans power forward.
Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will reach 10 years of NBA experience after the 2020-21 season and will be able to sign max contracts up for up to 35% of the salary cap. While things can change overnight and it's impossible to know goes on in a player's head, the Clippers have reason to be optimistic about their future entering the second year of the Leonard-George duo.
Paul George is eligible for a contract extension, which has to be signed by December 21, 2020. Whether or not George signs that remains to be seen, but he did make it resoundingly clear he plans to be in Los Angeles for a very long time.
“Usually I'm in a position where I kind of just want to think about all scenarios, but in this situation I'm happy, I'm home,” Paul George said. “It's one of the teams I grew up loving and wanting to be a part of for a long time. I'm committed, I'm here. I want to be here, I want to retire a Clipper. I'll say that every year. This is where my heart is and I'm happy, I'm happy regardless of whatever happens. I'm happy being here.”
“I’m happy. I’m home. It’s one of the teams I grew up loving. I’m committed, I’m here. I want to retire a Clipper. I’ll say that every year. This is where my heart is. Regardless of what happens, I’m happy.”
– Paul George on potentially re-signing with Clippers. pic.twitter.com/5UvJyCpSOx
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 4, 2020
If George is on board, there's a good chance that Kawhi Leonard is as well, and everything in between is a formality. Still, with player-empowerment on full display in today's NBA, everyone will rest easy when pen is put to paper and the deals are done.
George's commitment to the Clippers affirms that LA will be in the mix for a championship over the next several years. Alongside Leonard, the franchise can continue to build around duo in pursuit of an NBA Championship.
The Clippers franchise has had a tough time getting superstars to come play with them, as they've mostly been known for their futility and having known-racist Donald Sterling as their former owner. They have changed directions completely over the last decade, starting with the drafting of Blake Griffin and the acquisition of Chris Paul via trade.
In his first season with the LA Clippers, Paul George averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 44 percent shooting from the field and 41.2 percent from beyond the arc.
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