Now that Paul George has signed an extension with the Los Angeles Clippers, he is ready for the next dose of big news.
That would be for none other than fellow star forward Kawhi Leonard to also be signed with the franchise for the long run.
Prior to the extension, George was eligible to opt out of his deal and enter free agency at the end of the season. Leonard still has a contract that would allow him to do so.
“It’s Kawhi’s decision,” George told reporters in a Zoom call. “If he decides to go elsewhere, that’s a decision that I’ll be happy for him. What I would love is to play with him for the rest of my contract or the rest of his contract.”
George, Leonard and the Clippers were unceremoniously bounced by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. George, 30, didn’t play particularly well — some Clippers fans will tell you far from it — after LA built a 3-1 series lead.
Now, George would like to repay the Clippers for extending his deal.
“I owe ’em a trophy. I owe ’em a trophy,” George said. “That’s what I owe this organization. This is a window that we’re trying to capture, and my commitment and my job is to try to bring a title here.”
The Clippers replaced former coach Doc Rivers with Tyronn Lue after last season.
