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The quality of podcasts hosted by athletes can vary greatly, ranging from superb examples like New Heights to less successful endeavors such as Mind the Game. However, they can occasionally provide valuable insights, as demonstrated by the latest episode of Podcast P, led by Paul George.
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George, who recently signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, took to the microphone on Monday to share the story behind his new deal. According to George, he was offered a two-year, $60 million extension by the Los Angeles Clippers last October, which he declined, claiming it was somewhat disrespectful. The Clippers continued to raise their offer in the subsequent months, even exceeding $40 million annually, yet George remained uninterested.
George anticipated a similar offer to the three-year, $153 million extension the Clippers had given to Kawhi Leonard in January. He indicated he would have accepted such an offer. However, it didn’t materialize. The Clippers were unwilling to offer more than a two-year contract.
Despite having a spectacular season, with George reaching new career-highs in efficiency and playing in the most games (74) since his time in Oklahoma City, the Clippers weren’t willing to offer him a four-year deal similar to Leonard’s. George, aware that he could secure a max-level four-year contract elsewhere, stated he would accept the Clippers’ offer if it included a no-trade clause. The Clippers declined, leading George to request a four-year max contract, which was also denied by the Clippers.
George concluded, “At that point, it didn’t feel right to come back.”
George’s next destination is Philadelphia. His signing aligns him with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, forming one of the most formidable trios in the NBA. George’s adaptability is a strength, demonstrated by his past collaborations with Leonard, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. He is also a valuable asset for any team seeking to challenge the Boston Celtics due to his defensive prowess. At this stage in his career, it’s likely that his primary focus is on winning championships rather than achieving individual accolades.
While the 76ers may have some concerns regarding George’s motivations—given his expressed disappointment in the Clippers and Golden State Warriors’ failure to facilitate a sign-and-trade deal to Golden State—his addition undoubtedly positions the 76ers as one of the winners of the offseason. The 76ers’ successful recruitment of Eric Gordon for shooting, Caleb Martin for defense, and Andre Drummond for rebounding, further adds to their successful summer.
The Clippers, on the other hand, are in a precarious position following George’s departure. In response, they embarked on a signing spree, bringing in Derrick Jones Jr., Nic Batum, Mo Bamba, Kris Dunn, and Kevin Porter Jr., while securing Harden with a two-year, $70 million deal. The team’s success now hinges on Leonard and Harden delivering healthy, All-NBA–level seasons.
However, history suggests this may not be feasible. The Clippers have no incentive to tank, particularly with the Oklahoma City Thunder holding control over their draft picks for the next two seasons. This leaves the team in a precarious position that may be suited for a play-in tournament, which is likely not what team owner Steve Ballmer envisioned for his multi-billion dollar Intuit Dome.
The dust of the offseason is still settling with the potential for more deals to be made. The Utah Jazz, who are currently in a rebuilding phase, could potentially offload Lauri Markkanen. The New Orleans Pelicans may trade Brandon Ingram, while the Cleveland Cavaliers could part ways with Darius Garland. However, with most teams beginning to finalize their summer plans, it’s an opportune time to assess the winners and losers of the early stages of the offseason.
Winner: San Antonio Spurs
In 2019, Oklahoma City traded Westbrook for Chris Paul. At the time, Paul was 34, had a hefty contract (three years, $124 million), and was believed to be nearing the end of his career. The primary draw for the Thunder was the draft capital attached to Paul. However, Paul exceeded expectations by playing 70 games for OKC and leading a young team to an unexpected playoff spot.
Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.