After months of fruitless negotiations, will the Clippers succeed in convincing Paul George to accompany them to Inglewood where the franchise will evolve from the start of the school year? This is not going to happen since the All-Star winger still seems determined to play his “ player option ” to test the market. Only the Sixers can afford him, but the Clippers can also set up a sign-and-trade with other teams if George is determined to leave.
“We love Paul and we really want to keep him, but we understand and respect the fact that this is still a business.” concedes Lawrence Frankthe president of the franchise. “We hope Paul decides to stay here. He’s exceptional. He’s an All-Star. He’s one of the best two-way players in the league. He’s a great person. He’s got a great family, and we hope he’s still here… But we’ll also respect the fact that he chooses to test the market, and that’s his choice. He’s earned it and we’ll see how things go.”
What about James Harden?
Paul George has until Saturday to exercise his release clause, and write off $48.8 million! He and his agent are looking for the maximum contract: $221 million over four years. That's a lot, especially since the franchise has already dropped $150 million on Kawhi Leonard, and they also have to think about extending James Harden.
“James was great with us,” Frank continues. “We hope that he had a good experience here and that he will decide to stay here. We really want James to remain a Clipper and we hope he decides to do the same.”
Player option : possibility for a player to activate (or not) the last year of his contract, in order to end his lease or become a “free agent” one year in advance.
