The American player from the Los Angeles team is removed from the team to introduce one of the key players of the season
Since the summer of 2019, the Clippers of Los Angeles had designed a luxury duo formed by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, in the hope of reaching the long-awaited finals in their history and, perhaps, putting on the ring of champions. However, almost five years later, plagued by injuries and disappointments, the project seems to be about to take a radical turn.
According to journalist Marc Stein, Californians are currently assessing the commercial value of Paul George, which gives an idea of what awaits you in the not too distant future in the nba. Although there is no definitive decision, everything seems to indicate that if they receive a satisfactory answer, they could dismantle the duo that makes up Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
A history of injuries and disappointments
Over the past four years, the biggest accomplishment they’ve had with both players has been reaching the 2021 Western Conference finals (a franchise record), a milestone they achieved without Leonard in the playoffs. Besides, have suffered major injuries both stars and puzzling episodes, such as when Kawhi stopped playing in the postseason and the team didn’t provide an explanation for several weeks.
With 33-year-old Paul George and Kawhi Leonard about to turn 32 on the team. So, it’s easy to see that the Clippers’ bet it is coming to its end. In addition, the salary expense on both players is considerable. Both have the same contract, accruing $91.3 million for this season, with a projected salary cap of $134 million. For the next season, 2024-25, they have a player option that could total 96.5 million.
The challenge of moving a large contract
Moving a contract of such magnitude is not an easy task. Especially when it comes to a veteran player whose physique has been the subject of numerous doubts. George still has basketball on his hands, of course, but taking a $45.6 million salary with no certainty that he’ll be healthy. It may be a plan that few are willing to adopt.
However, it cannot be denied that George has performed well when he has played. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. They are impressive numbers that any team would like to add to their ranks. But on the other hand, in the four seasons that he has been with the Clippers, he has never played more than 60 games in a regular season. In fact, his average is 47 games per season. The Clippers they can put it on the market, but the offers might not be to your liking.