Paul George wanted to stay with the LA Clippers for Kawhi Leonard: “I’m loyal to him.”
Raised just 60 miles away in Palmdale, George’s connection to Los Angeles runs deep. His parents often cheered from the stands, while his wife and three children had settled into the community, forming friendships and embracing the city as their home.
Another significant bond tied him to the city: his partnership with Kawhi Leonard.
“I had it in my mind this whole time — Kawhi brought me here, Kawhi was the guy who wanted me to play here, I’m stuck, I’m glued to him,” George expressed to FOX Sports after facing the Clippers in a game where his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers, fell 110-98. “That was my mindset. That was my mentality. I wanted to ride this thing out.”
Leonard had recruited George to the Clippers back in 2019, while George was thriving with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both players share Southern California roots, are only a year apart in age, and overcame the odds to achieve stardom despite being overlooked in high school and playing at lesser-known colleges. (Leonard attended San Diego State, while George played at Fresno State.)
The allure of teaming up with Leonard, a two-time champion and elite two-way player, was undeniable for George. Despite enjoying success in Oklahoma City, he sought a trade to the Clippers, where he spent five seasons until contract discussions soured last summer. In July, George signed a lucrative four-year, $212 million max contract as a free agent with the 76ers.
The duo of Leonard and George often faced the haunting “what ifs” due to injuries, yet George remained optimistic about their potential. He mentioned that he wouldn’t have hesitated at all if Leonard were to miss time this season due to knee inflammation.
“If Kawhi is out right now, cool, take your time,” George stated. “Still, my point of view was, I’m here for the long run. I’m here for the long run with you. That was how I was looking at the whole negotiation. That was the guy who wanted me here. I’m going to ride it out. I’m loyal to him.”
However, negotiations with the Clippers did not unfold as he had hoped.
Initially, George was ready to sign a three-year, $150 million extension when Leonard agreed to similar terms in January. But the Clippers hesitated, and discussions stalled. As free agency approached, George sought a deal that included a no-trade clause or a four-year max extension, but the Clippers were unwilling to meet those demands.
“The process definitely was a gut punch just because I feel like I’ve done everything they asked, whether it was injuries that I was trying to play through, being available,” George shared with FOX Sports. “I know that’s my job, but there was stuff I was trying to push through, just to be here for the guys, show up for the team. When I was healthy, I did my job as a player.”
George consistently stepped up whenever Leonard was sidelined, which was frequent, given that Leonard missed 179 of a possible 435 games during their time together.
During his tenure with the Clippers, George transformed from being teased with the nickname “Pandemic P” after the team’s collapse in the 2020 playoffs to emerging as a hero in the 2021 postseason, where he led the Clippers to their first-ever Western Conference Finals. In that run, Leonard suffered an ACL tear, and George famously stepped up in Game 5, scoring 37 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. He averaged 26.9 points and 9.6 rebounds throughout that postseason.
“We had some great years together,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue reflected on George, recalling Game 5 as a highlight of his career. “If we lost that game, I don’t think we would’ve advanced.”
The last three seasons saw the Clippers unable to advance past the first round of the playoffs, with both stars suffering significant injuries. Yet, George had the most efficient shooting season of his career last year, hitting 47.1% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range. He once again bore the burden in the playoffs while Leonard played only two games due to injury, leading to the Clippers’ exit in six games against the Dallas Mavericks, who advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
George acknowledged his surprise at the negotiations with the Clippers, particularly at the outset.
“Obviously, there were a lot of moving pieces,” George explained. “There were injuries that were involved and a lot that kind of relied on my shoulders that I tried to still step up and be here for the group. It definitely was a little gut punch. Just the initial offer was the worst part about it all.”
Despite the challenges, George harbors no resentment.
He praised Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank as “awesome” during his time with the franchise. He emphasized that there is “no bad blood” between him and the Clippers’ stars, noting that he kept Leonard, James Harden, and the now-departed Russell Westbrook informed of his thoughts last season.
When some Clippers fans booed him during the starting lineup on Wednesday, George called it “stupid,” highlighting his commitment to the team and clarifying that he never demanded a trade. He remained unfazed when asked about fans holding a sign that read “PG THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK,” a response to his podcast comments about feeling like he was on the “B team” compared to the Lakers.
“Oh, well, I’m sure they’re all probably subscribers,” George quipped about his critics. “So it’s a win-win.”
Now, George is focused on the future, despite the rocky start with the 76ers, who currently sit at 1-6.
After his acquisition, the 76ers were viewed as serious title contenders. With George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey, they have the potential to form a formidable “Big 3,” with George providing an exceptional two-way presence on the wing.
However, fans will have to be patient to see their potential unfold.
George missed the first five games of the season due to a bone bruise in his left knee sustained during the preseason. Embiid has yet to see action due to left knee management and a suspension, although he is expected to return soon. Meanwhile, Maxey is projected to be out for several weeks with a hamstring injury.
Despite these setbacks, George remains patient.
Although he initially envisioned a long-term partnership with Leonard, he is now enthusiastic about his new collaboration with Embiid.
“We definitely had the conversations of we have a real shot at winning — and winning for multiple years,” George stated. “Tyrese is a young guy, and he’s going to continue to get better. I think I’m in a great spot where I can still stretch out and play for a good while and be productive. Joel is in his prime. We really have a great roster.”
Now, George is preparing for this new chapter.
With high hopes once again, he is eager to ensure they do not go unrealized.
“We definitely had initial conversations, like, we can really win this year,” he concluded.
