The Los Angeles Clippers have announced a contract extension with All-Star forward Paul George, ending the possibility of George becoming a free agent at the end of the season.
“This is an important moment for our franchise and our fans, to secure a long-term commitment from one of the premier two-way players in the NBA,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in a statement.
George’s extension is for four years and $190 million, agent Aaron Mintz of CAA told ESPN.
George, 30, averaged 21.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in his first season with the Clippers. But the year ended in disappointment, as the Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference playoffs. George’s subpar showing in the final three games led to questions about whether he was part of the franchise’s long-term plans.
Those questions have now been answered.
The Clippers’ next order of business, and perhaps most important, is Kawhi Leonard, still eligible for free agency at the end of the season. Given that Leonard wanted George on the Clippers before committing himself, it seems as if keeping Leonard in LA won’t be a problem.
The Clippers play the Lakers in a preseason game Friday night.
