Paul George signs on for four more years at $190 million with Clippers

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Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Paul George signed a four-year, $190 million extension with the team, a person with direct knowledge of the terms of the deal told USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the deal.

The team acknowledged the extension in a news release but declined to disclose terms.

The extension begins at the start of the 2021-22 season, meaning George is due to make $225.4 million over the next five seasons.

“As a kid growing up in Southern California, I always dreamed of playing in Los Angeles, where my friends and family could come watch me play,” George in a statement. “I am so grateful to (Clippers owner) Steve Ballmer, (president of basketball operations) Lawrence Frank, Coach Ty Lue, my teammates, and the entire Clippers organization for believing in me. I am proud to call this my home and look forward to doing my part in helping make the team a tremendous success – both on and off the court – in the years ahead.”

LA Clippers guard Paul George averaged 21.5 points on a career-high 41.2% shooting during the regular season last year.

 (Photo: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sport)

George had said in recent days that he wanted to cement a long-term future with the Clippers, saying that “this is where my heart is. I want to retire a Clipper.” So Paul’s deal erases any uncertainty should he have decided to enter free agency next summer. Perhaps this also further cements Kawhi Leonard’s future with the organization as well since he is set to become a free agent next summer.

“This is an important moment for our franchise and our fans, to secure a long-term commitment from one of the premier two-way players in the NBA,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in a statement. “We aspire to create a destination for players, an environment where they can succeed and enjoy their success.

“We’re delighted by Paul’s pride in representing Clippers fans, honored that he trusts the organization with this chapter of his career, and share in his relentless pursuit of championships. We admire his talent, his dedication and his unwavering allegiance to this region. We’re excited for the opportunity to accomplish our mutual goals together.” 

George’s long-term commitment with the Clippers comes on the heels of a struggling debut with the franchise. Although he averaged 21.5 points on a career-high 41.2% shooting, 5.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists in the regular season, George struggled in the playoffs. He averaged 18.5 points on 34.7% in the Clippers’ first-round series against Dallas and attributed that partly to struggles with mental health while staying in the NBA bubble for an extended period of time.

He finished with only 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting and five turnovers in the Clippers’ Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the second round after squandering a 3-1 series lead.

Recently, George spoke on the “All the Smoke” podcast and partly blamed former coach Doc Rivers for his play calling and adjustments. George then told reporters that he also blamed himself for his struggles. The Clippers and Rivers parted ways following the playoffs, and the team promoted Lue from assistant to head coach.

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