Paul George's walk to the Philadelphia 76ers last summer was the first indicator that the future of the LA Clippers was going to be rough. They traded everything imaginable to land him, and it was a painful realization to know that contract negotiations between his agent and the Clippers' front office did not pan out.
Executive Lawrence Frank stood quietly alongside experts, analysts, and members of the media, criticizing the Clippers' failed era with George. Yet, what was unknown to everyone, including members of the front office, was that the best was on the horizon.
Frank ran a trial season with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard to see what they could brew together, with distinct talents added in the summer that helped at different points of the season, such as Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr.
This group achieved a 50-win season, and Frank, as the man behind the scenes, deserves bouquets for what he accomplished in maintaining a championship-level roster without George, who was once the franchise centerpiece.
However, far more to the story has recently been revealed, as the Clippers have had the best offseason in the league in 2025, and it is surprisingly thanks to the decision George made a year ago.
Paul George signing with the Philadelphia 76ers helped the LA Clippers land their best, most well-rounded team yet
At one point, the LA Clippers were on cue with Paul George in offering him a similar, if not the same, deal as Kawhi Leonard. This made the most sense going back to what the Oklahoma City Thunder received for him.
Moreover, George's desire for specific components, such as a no-trade clause, capitalized on the end of his tenure in Inglewood, California. The nine-time All-Star was essentially forced to search for a team that could offer him incentives on his terms, and the Philadelphia 76ers saw his averages and immediately took him in.
This was a key decision that allowed LA to sign Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez, and trade for John Collins. Other factors, such as a well-handled trade deadline by Lawrence Frank, were pivotal, but if George had resigned, LA's current finances would be facing turmoil.
That said, George was a star as a Clipper, but his choice to walk out before the team won 50 games, and then a legendary summer full of fun additions, will be remembered as a gift in disguise.