George’s Potential Departure
Rumors have been swirling about the potential departure of Clippers star Paul George during the offseason. Recently, Clippers GM Lawrence Frank expressed the team’s strong desire to retain George but emphasized their respect for whatever decision he makes.
Upcoming Decision Deadline
George has until this Saturday, June 29, to decide whether to exercise his player option for the final year. As the deadline approaches, Frank has publicly stated the team’s hope that George will stay with the Clippers.
Contract Negotiations
According to ESPN, the Clippers can offer George a four-year, $221 million contract extension. However, both sides have yet to reach an agreement. Frank mentioned that he has been in constant talks with George’s agent, Aaron Mintz, hoping for a favorable outcome.
Frank’s Admiration for George
“We love Paul George,” Frank said during a draft interview. “We really want to keep him, but we also understand and respect his decision because, ultimately, this is a business.” Frank added that George is a star player, both offensively and defensively, and a good person. The team hopes he will stay but will respect his decision if he chooses to opt out.
Possible Free Agency
If George decides to become a free agent, he could sign with another team next season. If he exercises his player option, he might still request a trade, according to ESPN.
Maintaining the “Big Three”
Frank also revealed that he has been in contact with James Harden’s agent, aiming to keep the Clippers’ “Big Three” intact. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the new salary cap regulations. Maintaining the roster is particularly difficult for the Clippers, with their star players in their 30s. Frank admitted that, under the new CBA, it’s not just about having the money but about managing the roster while maintaining flexibility.
Challenges Ahead
Frank concluded by stating that the new CBA presents significant challenges for the Clippers. Despite owner Steve Ballmer’s financial willingness, the constraints of the CBA make it difficult to keep the team together while preserving roster flexibility. This complexity adds to the difficulty of retaining George and other star players. (7XM)