The Los Angeles Clippers have not signed Paul George to an extension with less than two months to go until free agency, but president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank insists the team still wants George back.
At his season-ending press conference on Monday, Frank was asked why the Clippers have not agreed to an extension with George despite the nine-time All-Star expressing optimism during the season that a deal would get done.
“I think the thing is every deal has to work for both sides and I think we got to a point where we just said, ‘You know what, we can continue the conversations, but let’s just table it until the end of the year,'” Frank said. “So I anticipate that we’ll pick up conversations. Everything’s been on a very, I’d say, cooperative and collaborative measure and he can sign his extension up until July 1 and then he can also test free agency and we’re hopeful that we can still bring him back.”
Lawrence Frank on why an extension with Paul George didn't get done:
“I think the thing is every deal has to work for both sides and I think we got to a point where we just said, 'you know what? We can continue the conversations but let's just table it until the end of the… pic.twitter.com/XdiRUqJ6ab
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) May 6, 2024
A full max extension from the Clippers for George would be a 4-year, $221.1 million contract. The 34-year-old is eligible for a 4-year, $212.2 million deal if he signs with another team. If the Clippers offered the full max, George likely would have signed an extension by now.
L.A. probably does not want to pay George more than $200 million because of his age and injury history. They could bank on other teams feeling the same way if George decides to test free agency. The Clippers also might factor in that they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round of the playoffs, so they are a long way from championship contention even with George, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game during the regular season. He averaged 19.5 points per game in L.A.’s 4-2 series loss to the Mavericks.
At least one Eastern Conference team is reportedly planning to make a run at George if he becomes a free agent.
