How Kawhi Leonard’s extension factored into Paul George leaving for 76ers in NBA free agency

The Clippers didn’t tell Paul George of their future plans.

And George then decided he wouldn’t be part of them.

The Clippers laid the groundwork for George to leave town, which he did early Monday by agreeing to terms with the 76ers , when they did not inform the forward of their plans to re-sign fellow All-Star Kawhi Leonard, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed Sunday as the free-agency negotiation window opened.

George will now join a new big three in Philadelphia alongside former MVP Joel Embiid and fellow superstar Tyrese Maxey after reportedly agreeing to a four-year, $212 million deal.

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“Here’s the problem — when (the Clippers) signed Kawhi to that deal, whatever it was, last December or January, they never told Paul George about it,” Windorst said Sunday on ESPN. “Paul George found out about it when the rest of the world found out about it.

“Forget what the Clippers say, judge them on their actions — their actions over the season and their actions here in free agency indicate they are ready to move on from Paul George. He’s been told basically very clearly, and so now he’s ready to move on from them.”

While it may seem like a minor slight for the Clippers not to tell George of their plans, especially since it involved another player, there are certain ways to make superstars feel wanted.

Paul George agrees to $212 million max deal with 76ers in NBA free agency blockbuster

George had a $48.8 million player option with the Clippers for the 2024-25 season, and Leonard’s status would affect him since he discussed a potential extension with the franchise.

The Clippers ultimately signed Leonard to a three-year, $153 million extension in January.

ESPN reported the Clippers inked Leonard to that extension with hopes of doing the same with George, but the sides could never come to terms.

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The Clippers reportedly would not offer George a max deal, citing salary cap restraints caused by the CBA, and he opted out of his contract.

“We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart,” the Clippers said in a statement, per ESPN . “The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul’s decision to look elsewhere for his next contract.

“We will miss Paul. At the same time, we’re excited by the opportunities we’ve now been afforded, including greater flexibility under the new CBA.”

George instead received that max offer from the 76ers, making them a legitimate threat to the Knicks and Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

The Clippers, meanwhile, retained James Harden .

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