Paul George is leaving the Los Angeles Clippers, his now-former team announced Sunday night, with all signs pointing to the nine-time All-Pro perhaps returning to the Eastern Conference to join the Philadelphia 76ers. .
George could earn more than $200 million over four years if his next contract is maxed out.
“Paul has informed us that he will sign his next contract with another team,” the Clippers said in a statement Sunday night.
The team added, “We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative for a contract that made sense for both parties, and we were left far apart. The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul’s decision to seek his next contract elsewhere.”
George had a $48.8 million option for next season but did not exercise it, entering free agency, which opened Sunday night, instead. There was a chance George and the Clippers could come to an agreement, but the team made it clear that hopes were over.
“We’re going to miss Paul,” the Clippers said.
At 34, George remains an elite player, averaging 22.6 points last season, the ninth straight season in which he has averaged at least 20 points per game.
Meanwhile, James Harden will remain with the Clippers on a two-year contract that includes a player option, a person with knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press earlier Sunday.
Harden’s deal, which could reach $70 million if he opts for 2025-26, was agreed in principle before free agency technically began, said the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity since neither Harden nor the Clippers had announced the deal. agreement.
Elsewhere, guard Chris Paul will team with rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio on a one-year deal, a person familiar with the deal said.
Paul was released earlier Sunday by the Golden State Warriors, who would have paid him $30 million next season if he hadn’t left. ESPN reported that the Spurs will hit Paul around 11 million. Paul, 39, averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists in 58 games with the Warriors last season.
And Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will bring his championship experience to the Orlando Magic, a team that made a huge leap last season and is now trying to become an even stronger contender in the East.
2024-07-01 03:22:00
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