"Go get your bag" - Paul George reveals that Kawhi Leonard did not try to prevent his departure from Clippers
One of the biggest moves of NBA free agency thus far was Paul George opting to leave the LA Clippers and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. While talking about his decision, the All-Star forward revealed the conversation he had with his now-former running mate.
During Monday's episode of his "Podcast P" show, George opened up on everything that went into his decision, while also talking about his relationship with Kawhi Leonard.
Last season, the Clippers inked Leonard to a multi-year contract extension. However, they were unable to agree on proper terms with Paul George. When he told Leonard he was likely leaving in free agency, George said the former Finals MVP understood he had to do what was best for him.
"I owed Kawhi that conversation," George said. "He understood. He like, 'go get your bag. I can't even be mad at you.'"
The Clippers made the blockbuster move for George in 2019 after signing Leonard in free agency. Many expected the two to lead LA to championships, but they ended up falling short of expectations. Now, George is forming a new collection of stars in Philadelphia alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Paul George admits it was tough to end partnership with Kawhi Leonard
Even though things didn't pan out how Paul George and Kawhi Leonard might have wanted on the court, the two still grew a close bond in their time as teammates. This would make his eventual signing with the Philadelphia 76ers that much harder.
After talking about what Leonard told him in their conversation, George spoke a little about their friendship. He said the two have become close friends over the past five years, and the reality of leaving struck him in free agency.
"I look at Kawhi as one of my best friends in this league," George said. "Somebody that I f*** with. Our families love each other. It was tough to leave him, just with how much I enjoy being out there with him. That was a big decision that weighed a lot on me."
During their run as teammates on the LA Clippers, Paul George and Leonard came close to a championship on one occasion. That was back in 2021 when they made an appearance in the Western Conference Finals. The Clippers would end up losing to the Phoenix Suns, with Kawhi Leonard's injury being one of the major factors in their downfall.