Report: Clippers May Be Unwilling To Match Paul George’s Expectations For Next Contract

According to NBA reporter Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Los Angeles Clippers may be unwilling to match Paul George‘s expectations for his next contract. 

George can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Clippers worth $48.8 million. 

The Clippers have until June 30 to sign George to an extension. They signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $149 million extension in January.

Many people around the NBA expected the Clippers to sign George to an extension after they extended Leonard. However, that hasn’t happened yet. 

“He’s also eligible to sign an extension this season, but the two sides haven’t reached an agreement,” Pompey wrote. “The belief is that Los Angeles isn’t willing to match Paul George’s expectations for his next contract. Reports have circulated suggesting the Clippers’ offer is less than Leonard’s three-year, $149.7 million extension.”

The Philadelphia 76ers are “closely monitoring” George‘s situation with the Clippers. According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Sixers are expected to make George a significant offer if he becomes a free agent.

One of the best two-way players in the NBA, George is averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.5 blocks this season while shooting 47.0% from the field, 40.9% from beyond the arc and 89.7% from the free-throw line. The swingman is making $45.6 million.

The Clippers acquired George from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the summer of 2019 after signing Leonard. The Leonard-George era in LA has been underwhelming.

The Clippers lost in the second round of the 2020 playoffs, fell in the 2021 Western Conference Finals, missed the postseason in 2022 and lost in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. 

A nine-time All-Star, George has career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists with the Indiana Pacers, Thunder and Clippers. He turns 34 in May.