The LA Clippers have launched an official assertion relating to Paul George’s determination to depart in free company.
“Paul has knowledgeable us that he’s signing his subsequent contract with one other crew,” the Clippers wrote. “Paul is an amazing expertise and an elite two-way participant. We really feel lucky for the 5 years we spent with him. Over that span, he went to 3 All Star Video games, made probably the most 3-pointers in franchise historical past and helped lead the crew to a spot it had by no means been. His performances in Video games 5 and 6 in opposition to Utah in 2021 received’t be forgotten by anybody related to the Clippers.”
The Clippers acknowledged the haul they despatched out to amass George, which included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 5 first spherical picks, and two choose swaps, including, “We traded quite a bit to pair Paul and Kawhi, and in change, we had 5 seasons of rivalry. Despite the fact that we fell wanting our final goal, we admire the possibilities we had with Paul.”
Understanding the state of affairs they had been coming into this summer season, the Clippers addressed their strategy with each George and James Harden (who has reportedly signed a two-year, $70M deal to stay in LA).
“Heading into this offseason, our roster was constructed three nice gamers 33 and over, two of whom may develop into free brokers,” the Clippers added. “We wished to retain them on contracts that might permit us, beneath the constraints of the brand new CBA, to proceed constructing the crew.”
Particularly addressing their negotiations with George, the Clippers added, “We negotiated for months with Paul and his consultant on a contract that might make sense for each side, and we had been left far aside. The hole was important. We perceive and respect Paul’s determination to look elsewhere for his subsequent contract. We explored an opt-in and commerce situation, however it might have left us in an identical place beneath the brand new CBA, with little or no asset worth to justify the restrictions. “
The Clippers concluded their assertion with the next:
“We’ll miss Paul. On the similar time, we’re excited by the alternatives we’ve now been afforded, together with larger flexibility beneath the brand new CBA. Kawhi is an all-NBA participant and we imagine T Lue is the very best coach within the league. We’ll area a extremely aggressive crew this season, and shifting ahead, use our organizational benefits to convey prime expertise to Intuit Dome.”