The Los Angeles Clippers needed to make sure to keep the ball rolling for the future.
Trading for James Harden was a risky bet, to say the least, as he could leave the team as a free agent in the summer, and so could Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
That’s why the team made sure to get a deal done with Leonard and signed him to a three-year contract extension, and now, the ball is in Paul George’s court to do the same.
When asked about that, the two-way star seemed quite confident in the team’s ability to get a deal done sooner rather than later, hinting at the possibility of staying put for the long run alongside his co-star (via Tomer Azarly and ClutchPoints):
“Yeah, I mean, absolutely. You secure and lock in Kawhi. Definitely leaves the door open for myself, but very, very optimistic something will get done on my behalf, as well,” George said.
"Yeah, I mean, absolutely. You secure and lock in Kawhi. Definitely leaves the door open for myself, but very, very optimistic something will get done on my behalf, as well."
Paul George on his optimism that he'll reach an extension with Clippers.
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/u9bCfWX4EX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 11, 2024
Ever since they added Leonard and George, the Clippers have always been one of the teams to beat in the league, at least on paper.
Unfortunately for them, they just haven’t been able to stay healthy, especially come playoff time, which is why they have yet to lead the team to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
This time, however, things seem to be different.
Russell Westbrook leading the second unit has given them a huge offensive punch off the bench; Harden has been a seamless fit and plays without the pressure of being the No. 1 scoring option, and their two best players have been healthy for the most part, so look out for them in the playoffs.
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