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While Paul George and Kawhi Leonard talked generally about signing new contracts with the Los Angeles Clippers to extend their partnership, specifics were never discussed, sources tell ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. George and Leonard never talked about taking one season and approximately $70 million less than they were eligible to receive before Leonard decided to sign a three-year, $150 million extension.

The unilateral decision from Leonard and his camp to take the extension put pressure on George to take less money in his own negotiations with the Clippers. George held out for a four-year deal and took those talks all the way to free agency when he would have the leverage of a four-year, $212 million deal offered by another team. The Clippers never moved off their position of a three-year offer, which led to a parting of ways and an immediate announcement from the franchise. George agreed to the four-year offer from the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Clippers even offered George less than what they had guaranteed Leonard, sources tell ESPN. The Clippers offered George less than his max over three years as they said they wanted to preserve their optionality. The Clippers were hoping their offer would be accepted due to George's preference to remain close to home. Sources say George was disappointed by the offer. With George and the Clippers heading toward a parting of ways, he called Leonard to notify him that he was looking at other teams.

Via Ramona Shelburne/ESPN

This is the first hint of common sense coming from the LAC front office, but it's too late. I thought Kawhi's last two contracts were foolish on LAC's part. Then they let PG walk but bring Harden back. How does that make sense?

I believe PHI will regret giving PG a 4-year max, so I understand why LAC wouldn't want to do the same... but with what they have done with Harden and Kawhi, this seems like a strange place to draw a line in the sand.

Lol now PG is making more money than Kawhi lol! Dude should’ve never left Toronto. Clippers have 0 chance at competing and now Leonard is tasked with a bigger workload for less annually than he’s worth. But hey at least he’s rich in LA….but paying LA taxes….ouch

Pickled Prunes wrote:This is the first hint of common sense coming from the LAC front office, but it's too late. I thought Kawhi's last two contracts were foolish on LAC's part. Then they let PG walk but bring Harden back. How does that make sense?

I believe PHI will regret giving PG a 4-year max, so I understand why LAC wouldn't want to do the same... but with what they have done with Harden and Kawhi, this seems like a strange place to draw a line in the sand.

how is common sense when they lost him for nothing?. If anything , thry should have traded him to golden state for picks. It ain't like the Clippers going nowhere regardless

Spent all that money for a new arena with nothing to show for... SMH.

Elnegron wrote:

Pickled Prunes wrote:This is the first hint of common sense coming from the LAC front office, but it's too late. I thought Kawhi's last two contracts were foolish on LAC's part. Then they let PG walk but bring Harden back. How does that make sense?

I believe PHI will regret giving PG a 4-year max, so I understand why LAC wouldn't want to do the same... but with what they have done with Harden and Kawhi, this seems like a strange place to draw a line in the sand.

how is common sense when they lost him for nothing?. If anything , thry should have traded him to golden state for picks. It ain't like the Clippers going nowhere regardless

I was referring specifically to LAC not offering PG a max. LAC had no control over where PG went after he turned down their offer. It wasn't up to them. A team can only do a S&T with the team the player wants to go to. GSW didn't want to give PG a max either. PHI had cap space so they signed him outright. Their choices were: A) Give him what he wants. B) Lose him for nothing. They made the right decision.

maybe this is a omen, Even KD did a sign and trade to the warriors, Podcast P made sure he left a sour taste in the franchises mouth with the abrupt exodus , and they get a L for not seeing the writing on the wall and trading him for some semblance of value or picks sooner.