For over 5 years, Paul George was an integral part of the LA Clippers’ roster. Along with small forward Kawhi Leonard, he was responsible for ensuring his franchise’s continued survival in the regular season, allowing them to reach the playoffs on four occasions and even the Conference Finals during the 2020-21 season. Despite this, the franchise didn’t choose to provide him with an acceptable contract extension, causing him to part ways and team up with the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, it is up to the Clippers to work around their newest acquisition, both in terms of finance and PR.

A few hours ago, ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst hosted another segment of ‘The Hoop Collective’. With fellow journalists Andrew Lopez and Ohm Youngmisuk joining in as co-hosts, the trio proceeded to discuss what led to Paul George’s exit from the LA Clippers. After analyzing the financial situation of the franchise, Youngmisuk drew the opinion that the Clippers did not want to face the penalties for crossing the ‘Second Apron’ limit by giving the player a four-year agreement. Due to this, they will now have to rely on their newest acquisition, controversial player Kevin Porter Jr., to handle the shooting guard duties for the team.

However, through this action, the Clippers may end up inviting some problems for themselves. “We’re going to have to see how that works out for them, it’s obviously a big PR risk for them, but the guy can fill the basket up,” said Youngmisuk in the case of Steve Ballmer and other members of the Clippers management.

Kevin Porter Jr. made headlines back in September 2023 after getting arrested for reportedly engaging in domestic violence against his girlfriend and WNBA shooting guard Kysre Gondrezick. He was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder a month after the incident. The franchise would later wave him. Now, the Clippers are giving the controversial player a chance to return to the spotlight.

Bringing in Kevin Porter Jr would also cost the franchise some major dollars. After all, the player’s last contract had him receiving an $82.5 million extension over four years. One of the primary reasons why Paul George was not given an extension was due to his ask for a four-year extension that would have cost the franchise. Therefore, the hosts feel that the Clippers shouldn’t be complaining when they are receiving a replacement player at a lower cost.

“Based on what I know, I think what the Clippers are saying is what is called in Poker a ‘Semi Bluff’,” said Windhorst. “It’s a little disingenuous to say you’re worried about the apron when you had a contract offer on the table for Paul George, that would have, in fact, taken you into the apron.”

Despite the issues that would arise, there is no denying that Kevin Porter Jr is a suitable replacement for the 9x NBA All-Star. During his previous season with the Houston Rockets, the shooting guard secured an average score of 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists to his name. His shooting skills allowed him to record a field goal percentage of 44.2%, a three-pointer percentage of 33.6%, and a field throw percentage of 78.4%.

While Porter’s prowess is not on par with that of George, it is enough to lend a great deal of support to James Harden and Kawhi Leonard while attempting to put up an offensive show during the games. It also allows the Clippers to stay away from the financial strain that George’s contract extension might have put on them.

Extending Paul George’s contract would have put a big financial strain on the LA Clippers

If one thought that the LA Clippers did not make any attempts to keep Paul George within their fold, they would be wrong. In fact, according to reports, the Clippers were more than ready to give the guard a 3-year $152 million extension. However, this didn’t meet George’s hope for a four-year extension.

Doing so would have pushed the Clippers to the edge under the new ‘Collective Bargaining Agreement’ (CBA) guidelines, more specifically the Second Tax Apron limit. According to the guidelines that came into effect from July 2023 onwards, franchises that spend more than $182.5 million on the salaries of players would be subject to severe penalties.

For the upcoming season, the LA Clippers had the cap allocation for their salaries reaching $225.88 million. Over $82.8 million is, reportedly, only being spent on the salaries of the franchise’s top players James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Furthermore, if Paul George had signed a four-extension, he would not have been eligible for a max contract extension with the team due to the ‘Over 38’ guideline. Therefore, the Clippers would have taken in too much risk in exchange for a not-so-long-term benefit.

Taking in Kevin Porter Jr still is a risky move. However, comparing it to what the LA Clippers would have gotten with Paul George, it’s a move that puts the franchise more at ease.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.