"First initial deal was 2 years 60"- Paul George points out $152 million gap in negotiation with Clippers, felt 'disrespected'
Paul George broke the silence on negotiations between him and the LA Clippers in free agency on the latest episode of his show, "Podcast P." George revealed everything that went down between him and his former team from the beginning of their talks. He pointed out a $152 million gap between the first offer and his demand.
George said that his goal was to win a championship in LA and remain there long-term. But things didn't play out as expected because of the Clippers' lack of willingness to meet his demands.
"As it played out though, like the first initial deal was I thought, kinda disrespectful," George said. "First initial deal was like two years, 60 (million)."
George's demand was a four-year $212 million max contract. He eventually signed the same deal with the Sixers. He said that the Clippers negotiated deals with slight increments but refused to up the offer. George's final demand was a three-year $150 million with a no-trade clause or a four-year $212 million deal in LA.
The Clippers and Paul George didn't budge in negotiations, leading to his eventual departure.
Paul George believes he earned the right for a max deal with LA Clippers
Paul George had an underwhelming stint with the LA Clippers. The team never maximized its potential, with George and Kawhi Leonard failing to reach the finals in five seasons together. The duo was widely regarded as the momentum shifters and expected to give the Clippers their first title.
However, their first season ended with LA blowing a 3-1 lead in the conference semis to the Denver Nuggets and seeing rivals LA Lakers with their new duo, Anthony Davis and LeBron James, bag a then-record 17th championship.
The next seasons in the PG-Kawhi era were filled with injuries to either or both stars, especially around postseason time, hindering the Clippers' shot at success.
However, Paul George thought that his 2023-24 regular season exploits were enough to warrant a max deal. He played a Clippers career-high 74 games, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists, shooting on 47/41/91 splits.
It was one of his most efficient seasons, but George struggled in the playoffs. He put up 19.5 ppg as the first option, with Leornard not 100% healthy and playing only twice, shooting a measly 41.1%. He was second in scoring to James Harden, who was the primary facilitator.
The Clippers suffered another first-round exit, losing in six games to eventual Western Conference champions Dallas Mavericks.