NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Inks Loyalty, But Clippers Await Paul George’s Verdict

After securing Kawhi Leonard with a contract extension, the star-studded Clippers look forward to doing the same for Paul George by actively engaging in an ongoing contract extension. Kawhi was in the third year of a  $176.3 million four-year contract, signed in August 2021, that included a $48.7 million player option for the following season.

As for PG13, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “The Clippers extension talks with Paul George are ongoing….For now, Leonard has agreed on a new deal in a season that he’s been healthy and highly productive,” as the team focuses on retaining both Kawhi and PG for the long term. In December 2020, PG agreed to a $190 million four-year contract extension with the Clippers.

It appears that negotiations for the contract extension are still in their early phases, and the outcome of these discussions is yet to be ascertained. If PG turns this down, he will become a free agent following this season. The former All-NBA star admits that both sides are still trying to figure out the deal.

Paul George’s take on the extension talks

PG did not have much to say about the conversation with the Clippers except, “It’s active, but both sides have to be on the same page and that’s just what we’re trying to figure out.” His current contract with the team is only valid for the rest of this season, with a player option for the 2024-25 season. Before Kawhi’s recent extension, he was in the same position as PG.

The Clippers are keen on keeping the combined star power of both veteran players as they shape the team into a title contender, even more so after bringing in James Harden. 33-year-old Paul Geroge has expressed his wish to have a Championship under his name before retirement. Moreover, both he and Kawhi are reportedly interested in extending their stay in the Clippers. If that can happen for a cost and duration of time that is acceptable for all parties, it might make a lot of sense to keep the relationship going.

PG’s healthiest season in a while

After having injury-prone seasons in the previous years, Paul George has been consistent this season, having played 34 of the Clippers’ 36 games so far. He has averaged 23.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. In the 2022-23 season, he clocked in only 56 games, and only 31 in 2021-22.

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The Clippers (23-13), for one, are doing extremely well this season, currently leading the Pacific Division, and climbing up to fourth place in the Western Conference. They have won six of their last seven games, and look forward to taking on Toronto on Wednesday, in what will be their first game with the Raptors this season.

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Are the Clippers on the right track in trying to retain Kawhi and PG? Is the power duo capable of taking the team to the playoffs this season? Share your thoughts!