With the LA Clippers’ roster constantly changing, executive Lawrence Frank is always on the move to see what works with head coach Tyronn Lue. He rode the superstar train for years by adding former MVP James Harden to an already dominant team, and now he sits with top-tier defensive specialists.
However, Frank had to make one of the most controversial transitions in franchise history by parting ways with two-way superstar Paul George. This was not an easy task, and the Clippers were receiving criticism for not offering a max contract to the player who led LA to history.
Furthermore, George wanted premiere benefits on his contract, such as a no-trade clause, and Frank respectfully declined as he did not want to risk throwing away the team’s future.
Additionally, the Clippers were only willing to offer George the same deal as Kawhi Leonard, a three-year, $150 million contract, but the nine-time all-star wanted another year if his request for a no-trade clause was denied.
As no agreement arose, George focused on the team that met his standards: the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia eventually gave in to the hype around George, and over fifty games into the following season, Frank is receiving his flowers for predicting the future.
LA Clippers’ executive Lawrence Frank witnessed the downfall of Paul George before anyone saw it coming.
Most executives would have sat down with Paul George, evaluated the most efficient season of his career, and handed him a pen and paper to sign the lengthiest contract possible with the LA Clippers. However, Lawrence Frank refrained from paying George the top dollar at age 37.
Last season, George was named an all-star and averaged 22.6 points and 5.2 rebounds for Tyronn Lue. He shot 47.1% from the field, 41.3% from three, and 90.7% from the free-throw line. He also played 74 games, his most since 2018-19 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Moreover, Frank saw a player with a crucial injury history who did not perform well in the playoffs ask for the best salary possible that would have brought him over $56 million through 2027-28. The choice to accept would have set the franchise up for failure, as George would have likely not lived up to his expectations near the end of his career.
Frank could not have been more precise. George has missed 19 games this season and is averaging 16.1 points in 32.1 minutes for the Philadelphia 76ers.
That said, Frank deserves all the credit for delivering in a formidable situation for the Clippers’ front office and fan base.