Paul George left Los Angeles last summer to join the 76ers. However, PG wanted to stay and play with his friend Kawhi Leonard. Unfortunately for the duo, the negotiations between the winger and the Voiliers did not go as planned.
Paul George never stops talking about the reasons surrounding his departure from the Clippers. Since the announcement of his signing, he has continued to increase the number of outings saying that the Voiliers did not want to offer him the maximum contract he asked for.
In truth, the Clips weren't against the idea, but they offered PG a three-year contract while the superstar wanted a four-year contract with a no-trade clause. Steve Ballmer's franchise logically ruled out this option. Not everyone is the Wizards front office to put such a clause on anyone (hello Bradley Beal).
However, one player could have changed things: Kawhi Leonard.
In 2019, it is Claw which brings PG back to Los Angeles and the neo-76er has always felt loyal to the two-time NBA champion.
“I've had this in my mind this whole time. Kawhi is the guy who brought me back here and wanted me to play in Los Angeles. I am loyal to him. I wanted to finish this story.” – Paul George for Fox Sports
The story between Paul George and Kawhi Leonard will never have the expected end in 2019, namely an NBA title due, in particular, to the series of injuries. Out of the five years that the duo knew with the Clippers, the number 2 finished only one season on both legs, the 2019-20 (eliminated in the semi-finals by Denver 4-3 while the Clips led 3- 1). This situation was never seen as a concern by PG.
“Kawhi is out at the moment? Ok, no problem, take your time. I always thought I would be here [aux Clippers] for a long time with Kawhi. It was on my mind during all the negotiations.”
Paul George nevertheless chose to join Philadelphia and a project that he found more competitive. Did he make the right choice? The future will tell us.
Source texte : ESPN, Fox Sports News
