The LA Clippers are setting their sights on keeping Paul George and James Harden as they prepare to move into the Intuit Dome for the upcoming season.
Lawrence Frank, the president of basketball operations, expressed the Clippers’ desire to retain both stars to continue their partnership with Kawhi Leonard.
George holds a player option for the upcoming season worth $48.8 million, while Harden will enter unrestricted free agency. The Clippers prioritize securing George’s extension before the June 30 deadline, which could potentially influence Harden’s decision regarding his future with the team.
“We’d like to be able to bring back and retain Paul and James,” Frank stated. “We’re hopeful we can, but also understand and respect the fact that they’re free agents. Paul has a decision with his option. James will be an unrestricted free agent, so our intent is to bring him back, but also realize that they’re elite players and they’ll have choices.”
George is eligible for a four-year, $221 million extension, with the Clippers having the ability to offer the most lucrative deal compared to other potential suitors.
Following Leonard’s extension in January, George expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with the team. However, talks were postponed around the All-Star break.
After LA’s 114-101 loss in Game 6 at Dallas, George was asked whether he sees himself with the Clippers long term with Leonard and Harden. “Yeah,” George said. “If it works that way, absolutely.”
With the Clippers likely facing salary cap constraints, Frank emphasized the importance of adding complementary pieces around their star trio.
George, who played a career-high 74 regular-season games, showcased his prowess by averaging 22.6 points and shooting 41.3% from beyond the arc.
Harden’s arrival mid-season helped propel the Clippers to the top of the Western Conference standings, but injuries and inconsistent form hindered their performance down the stretch.
Leonard’s absence due to knee inflammation further compounded the team’s challenges, with Frank revealing that the star forward would not have been available had the Clippers advanced in the playoffs.
Looking ahead, Frank remains optimistic about the Clippers’ prospects, despite recent setbacks, emphasizing the need to manage Leonard’s ongoing knee issues.
“We’re still dealing with the inflammation,” Frank acknowledged. “But I would guard against the cynicism. Just because it’s happened [again] doesn’t mean it’s always going to happen next year.”
As the Clippers gear up for the offseason, their focus remains on securing the services of George and Harden to bolster their championship aspirations alongside Leonard.
