The Los Angeles Clippers are potentially facing a crossroads with their roster as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George become extension available again this offseason. If there is a sense that one of those players, particularly George, might not be amenable to taking a sub-max extension, then they could become available in trade talks. The Clippers, however, are opening up a new arena in 2024 and there is an expectation that they will want to have the most competitive team possible at that point.
"The biggest subplot in the NBA that not enough people are talking about are Paul George and Kawhi Leonard with the Clippers being extension available," said "In Kawhi's case in July. I think in Paul George's case in September. I just don't think, based on what I've heard, that if those guys walk in the door and ask for four-year max extensions, I don't think the Clippers are just giving them to them.
"I think maybe on one or both... I mean Kawhi is a black box. I have no idea what's going on with Kawhi. Maybe in some quarters there would be a willingness to recognize the reality that 'we don't play enough for this' and there is negotiation wiggle room. But sometimes with stars, there isn't. Sometimes with stars you offend them by daring to negotiate. If that's the case, then there's another wild card in the market as soon as next week because if you know, like, this is not an unknown to the powers to be in Los Angeles, or with those representing those players. This is not an unknown playing field."
Via Zach Lowe/ESPN
