How Kawhi Leonard’s extension factored into Paul George leaving for 76ers in NBA free agency

“Here’s the problem — when (the Clippers) signed Kawhi to that deal, whatever it was, last December or January, they never told Paul George about it,” Windorst said Sunday on ESPN. “Paul George found out about it when the rest of the world found out about it.

“Forget what the Clippers say, judge them on their actions — their actions over the season and their actions here in free agency indicate they are ready to move on from Paul George. He’s been told basically very clearly, and so now he’s ready to move on from them.”

While it may seem like a minor slight for the Clippers not to tell George of their plans, especially since it involved another player, there are certain ways to make superstars feel wanted.

George had a $48.8 million player option with the Clippers for the 2024-25 season, and Leonard’s status would affect him since he discussed a potential extension with the franchise.

The Clippers ultimately signed Leonard to a three-year, $153 million extension in January.

ESPN reported the Clippers inked Leonard to that extension with hopes of doing the same with George, but the sides could never come to terms.

The Clippers reportedly would not offer George a max deal, citing salary cap restraints caused by the CBA, and he opted out of his contract.

“We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart,” the Clippers said in a statement, per ESPN. “The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul’s decision to look elsewhere for his next contract.

“We will miss Paul. At the same time, we’re excited by the opportunities we’ve now been afforded, including greater flexibility under the new CBA.”

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George instead received that max offer from the 76ers, making them a legitimate threat to the Knicks and Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

The Clippers, meanwhile, retained James Harden.