LAS VEGAS – Kawhi Leonard talked about contract negotiations with Paul George all season long and said he wasn’t surprised when George left to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
In his first comments about George’s departure, Leonard said Friday that he and George knew what it took for both of them to remain with the LA Clippers.
George signed a four-year, $212 million deal with the Sixers in free agency.
“We knew what it was like before the season,” Leonard said after USA Basketball’s practice Tuesday. “We knew what the outcome was going to be. So, we talked the whole way through.
“It’s no surprise.”
Clippers coach Ty Lue told ESPN that he spoke to George several times in an effort to keep him with the team. Lue said losing his All-Star guard in free agency “was tough”.
“You lose a key piece to a team like PG, it’s hard to compensate,” USA Basketball assistant coach Lue told ESPN. “I’m disappointed that we weren’t able to get the deal done, I’m disappointed that he didn’t come back. It’s tough on the organization. We’ll have to see how we move forward from here.”
“I talked to him a number of times, trying to see what his mindset is, what we need to do different, how we can help his process. It’s unfortunate he’s gone.”
George said on his “Podcast P with Paul George” that the Clippers initially offered him a two-year deal worth $60 million, which he described as “insulting”. George explained that the Clips increased their offer throughout the season.
When the Clippers signed Leonard to a three-year, $150 million extension in early January, George said he would have accepted the same deal. But George said negotiations were held around the All-Star break and once the season ended, he said he would take the same extension, but with the no-trade clause, the Clippers were unwilling to do so.
George said before signing with Philadelphia that it was important for him to talk to Leonard to let him know about his decision and that Leonard was supporting him. George expressed his disappointment in not being able to play with Leonard and accomplish what he had planned to do in Los Angeles.
Leonard decided to sign with the Clippers as a free agent in the summer of 2019, with George joining them following a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Playing with championship expectations each season, both stars were unable to lead the Clippers to the Western Conference Finals in 2021 due to injuries.
The Clippers were able to retain James Harden, who agreed to a two-year, $70 million free agent deal.
In a media session with select reporters on Sunday, Leonard said he supported George’s decision but otherwise did not answer questions about him.
Leonard was asked Tuesday how much work he’ll have to do this upcoming season without George.
“How much responsibility will I have to lead the team?” Leonard said. “It was the same as last year. It won’t change.”
Leonard was unable to finish the last two postseasons due to a right knee injury. In 2023, he tore his right meniscus after the first two games of a five-game series with the Phoenix Suns, which eliminated LA in the first round. Last season, he missed the final three games of the Clippers’ six-game loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round due to swelling in his surgically repaired right knee.
Leonard said his knee has felt “good” so far during USA Basketball’s training camp and he plans to perform against Canada in an exhibition game on Wednesday.
“Yeah, I think I’ll be ready tomorrow,” said Leonard. “Everything has been good so far. (The knee) is in a neutral position, and I hope it stays that way.”
Lue offered his opinion on Leonard’s performance so far in camp.
“He’s good, best move I’ve seen him since he got injured (on March 31),” Lue told ESPN. “It’s going really well. It’s good to see him healthy and moving in the right direction.”
Discover more from news2source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
