Kawhi Leonard’s Trust Under Threat As Steve Ballmer’s February Rumor Could Result In Bitter Breakup

After a memorable period filled with ups and downs, the LA Clippers have been eliminated from the ongoing NBA tournament. With this, the focus now shifts to deciding what changes the team will undergo over the next few months. The offensive trio of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden made waves this season. However, a possible exit by one of them will undoubtedly cause dysfunction in the franchise.

Back in January, Kawhi Leonard signed a further three-year extension with the Clippers, for which he would receive approximately $149.65 million. During a press conference, when asked what his extension would mean for his two teammates, the player stated, “I think for the most part, everybody is coming back”. Paul George gave his assurances in the aftermath of Leonard’s statement, claiming that “You secure and lock in Kawhi, that definitely leaves the door open for myself. Very optimistic that something will get done on my behalf as well.” Almost four months later, the situation seems to have changed.

According to ‘The Athletic’, George may head to either the Philadelphia 76ers or the Orlando Magic. Both teams have shown an interest in acquiring the player and currently possess a flush salary cap space. If the Clippers do not make him a better offer, then George can decline his $48.7 million player option and become a free agent by the end of June.

Trading Paul George would also work in the Clippers’ favor. Even without James Harden and Paul George, the franchise is expected to commit at least $113.9 million in salaries. Paul George’s $48.7 million, combined with Harden’s current cap of $53.46 million, would put the Clippers over the ‘Second Apron’ restriction. Introduced recently as part of the NBA’s latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the concept involves putting penalties on any franchises that spend more than $189.5 Million to acquire players. The Phoenix Suns is one franchise that is close to crossing it, and the Clippers might join them as well.

Kawhi Leonard ended the current season knowing that he would have Harden and George back with him next season, with the latter assuring him of the same. An exit, however, would end up breaking that trust.

Despite Kawhi Leonard’s remark, the LA Clippers were willing to trade Paul George back in February

Along with the above revelations, ‘The Athletic’ article highlighted another relevant piece of news. They reported that the Clippers management, including possibly owner Steve Ballmer, “are known to have shown a willingness to discuss” a possible Paul George trade before the February deadline. However, that potential trade talk was being made under different circumstances. Given that there were still no signs of a proper extension deal being made under George’s name, the management reportedly thought it better to participate in an exchange rather than lose money by allowing the player to become a free agent.

Whatever the circumstances were, Paul George was unaware of any trade talks back then. During a Q&A session in February, when discussing the February deadline, the player revealed, “We’re just focused on moving forward …. We’re honestly not looking to make any moves. I don’t think that we are looking in this locker room thinking, ‘where can we get better?’ We know we have enough to win right now”.

Would the LA Clippers be better off by letting go of Paul George? Let us know in the comments down below.