Paul George's Dad Reveals Why His Son Left The Los Angeles Clippers

This offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers underwent significant changes when Paul George decided to join the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent.

While the move surprised many, some anticipated it due to the trail of comments hinting at George's interest in a max or near-max contract.

Two months have passed, but discussions about George's exit from his former home, where he aspired to win an NBA championship, continue.

On a recent episode of "Podcast P with Paul George," Paul George invited his father, Paul George Sr., to join him. The duo delved into various topics, including George's childhood, his recovery from a severe leg injury, and his comeback to All-Star form.

A key subject of the episode was Paul George's departure from the Clippers. When prompted to share his genuine thoughts, George's father spoke candidly.

“It was hurting,” Paul George Sr. said of his son's departure. “It was like… I felt like they stabbed us in the back because I thought Paul did a whole lot for the team, as far the fanbase, the fans was there. He was there. I think he gave them 110% and what he was asking, it wasn't a whole lot. But they saw something different.”

The Clippers proposed a three-year contract to George, estimated at around $150 million, akin to the deal Kawhi Leonard received. Initially desiring a four-year $220 million maximum contract, George was amenable to the three-year, $150 million offer, provided it included a no-trade clause to guarantee his stay in Los Angeles.

However, without the maximum offer or the no-trade clause from the Clippers, George felt compelled to choose what was optimal for himself and his family.

“I didn't want him just to take anything,” George Sr. added. “So his whole thing is, he 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 gonna sugarcoat it either. Yeah, I'm behind you 100%. If you've got to leave, we're gonna leave. Of course, it kind of put us in a little bump and grind, but it's all good. It's all good. You love being at home, but then sometimes home can kind of slow you down. He put in work for it and I felt that he should've gotten paid for it. And so we didn't stutter about it. Like what, they came at you like this? Oh nah, you've got to go.”

Paul George met with the Clippers one last time before free agency to allow them the opportunity to match the offers he had received. When they declined, George used the meeting to communicate his decision to depart.

Shortly after, as free agency commenced, George signed a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the 76ers, the most he could receive from any team other than the Clippers, who could have offered up to four years and $220 million.

According to Paul George's father, leaving Los Angeles was difficult, but there was initial consideration for George to join the Los Angeles Lakers if he decided to move on from the Clippers.

“I was looking at okay, well we're gonna do next door then [to the Lakers], but they already spent too much money,” George Sr. joked. “I thought we're gonna still come down in the tunnel, just gonna be wearing a different color.”

Ultimately, Paul George secured the contract he desired, and the Clippers managed to bounce back from his departure by building a more cohesive team around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.

During his five-season stint with the Clippers, George posted averages of 23 points, six rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 45.5% from the field and 39.7% from beyond the arc.

He was pivotal in propelling the Clippers to their first Conference Finals in 2021. However, his time in Los Angeles is likely to be overshadowed by the recurring injuries that plagued both him and Leonard.

Paul George, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, is set to face his former team in Los Angeles for the first time this season on Nov. 6.

Related: Ty Lue Admits Tough Reality With Kawhi Leonard-Paul George Tandem