LA Clippers fans are more than aware of how the team's contract negotiations with Paul George played out this offseason. Obviously, the fanbase, Paul himself and everyone else was hoping he would be back in Los Angeles next season, but it simply wasn't in the cards.
The front office knew they had to be wise with their money, and they did not offer George a contract with as much guaranteed money or as many years as he was desiring. Considering PG was coming off a first-round playoff series where his performance was a bit of a letdown, it felt like an appropriate move.
However, not everyone feels this way. Of course, Paul came out after the situation was over and explained what happened. He initially requested a no-trade clause in his new deal, something the team was not comfortable offering. When he was denied that request, PG started angling toward a contract with more years or more money.
But it seems that after Paul made up his mind he wanted a deal bigger than the one he initially requested, the front office did not have interest in making a compromise. This of course led to him joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
Paul George Sr. on @PodcastPShow discussing Clippers negotiations: "I feel like they stabbed us in the back... Paul did a whole lot for the team... he felt that was a bunch of bull that they came at him with. And I wasn't going to sugarcoat it either" https://t.co/a4f0R31aCP pic.twitter.com/HlVEk1x2rS
— Law Murray 💡 (@LawMurrayTheNU) September 2, 2024
Paul George on contract negotiations: It was "a bunch of bull"
This week, Paul George's father made an appearance on Podcast P with Paul George, joining his son on the show and talking at length about this subject. "It was hurting," George Sr. said. "I felt like they stabbed us in the back. Because I thought Paul did a whole lot for the team ... I think he gave them 110 percent, and what he was asking, it wasn't a whole lot.
" does stand up for what he believes in. And so he felt that that was a bunch of bull that they came at him with. And I wasn't going to sugarcoat it either ... Of course, it kind of put us in a little bump and grind, but it's all good. You love being at home , but sometimes home could kind of slow you down." There is certainly a lot to unpack when it comes to PG Sr.'s statement here.
It is unfortunate that George and his father felt wronged by the team, but it is important to remember that contract negotiations can sometimes be dictated by the "what have you done for me lately" clause. In other words, PG's lackluster 2024 playoff performance against the Mavericks did not do him any favors in landing the kind of deal he wanted.
Secondly, saying the Clippers' part of the negotiations were "a bunch of bull" after you changed the terms of what you wanted is questionable at best. PG requesting a no-trade clause after getting the contract offer he initially said he wanted is no fault of the Clippers.
It is a little confusing as to how Paul George and his father can still feel stabbed in the back if this is how the story truly went. But no matter what, Clippers fans can simply be thankful all this drama is behind them now.