The Clippers have been building around Paul George and Kawhi Leonard for years. However, their stars in two of the most complete players are coming to a checkpoint. Paul George is currently under his four years $176 million contract. He is entering his last year with the Clippers with a player option in his hands. Even though he has displayed his allegiance with the Clippers, he has every reason to expect a max-extension before the 2024 season ends. The situation might look like an easy retention of PG13, but other factors are coming into play.
Clippers are going to see Kawhi Leonard in the same light soon. Kawhi is eligible for a contract extension this season, serving a similar 4-year $176 million contract as PG did. While Kawhi begins negotiating, George will be eligible for his extension in September.
The Clippers are not rushing to re-sign Kawhi Leonard and PG
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On the Lowe Post Podcast,?Ohm Youngmisuk addressed the Clippers’ situation regarding Kawhi Leonard. Even though Leonard is eligible for the trade, he said LA is in “no rush” to re-sign. “I hear it’s kind of quiet right now. There is no rush on an extension for Kawhi Leonard, and then Paul George will be eligible in September”, he said while speaking to Zach Lowe.
PG and Kawhi, despite being all-around players, have had trouble appearing for the team together. Clippers have been handed over the short end of the stick when it comes to being served by their talent. The two superstars have availability issues and are older than ever, raising their chances of injuries.
Clippers can let the season begin and analyze if they can exhibit their star-studded backcourt in regular season games before handing over any extensions.
James Harden is eyeing the Clippers
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James Harden‘s situation is a famous one alongside Damian Lillard. Harden has showcased his desire to play for the Clippers. His ex-teammate, Russell Westbrook, signed a meager $7 million to stay with the Clippers. Despite his struggles for the last two years, Westbrook downscales his contract by earning a lot. As a result, Clippers now have more talent than ever. However, Clippers are known as one of the most spending organizations in the NBA; with new rules, that side of their strategies is over.
Despite their struggles, the Clippers’ superstars have shown a willingness to adjust for a bigger cause in the past. For Harden to squeeze into the Clippers roster, he must adjust on the monetary end and have a tough conversation regarding on-court action. These are both the areas Harden has showcased unwillingness to adjust in the past.
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With four players on the roster capable of leading their teams, it will be interesting to see how the synergies are set up. However, things can get complicated if PG and Kawhi Leonard decide to stretch the Clippers for max contracts.