Paul George wanted to stay with the Clippers for Kawhi Leonard

During Free Agency 2024, Paul George left the Los Angeles Clippers for the Philadelphia Sixers. For a contract worth $212 million over 4 years. However, for several weeks, the winger wanted to stay with the Clippers.

Problem is, he did not receive an offer that met his expectations. Worse still, the former Indiana Pacers player did not feel respected by the management of the Californians. During his reflection, however, PG had difficulty considering leaving.

For what ? Due to Kawhi Leonard.

“Throughout that whole period, I always had this in my mind: Kawhi brought me here, Kawhi was the guy who really wanted me to play here, so I felt stuck, stuck to him. That was my state of mind. my mind, my mentality.

I wanted to go all the way with him. I had this loyalty to him”, confided Paul George pour Fox Sports.

But ultimately, the discussions with the Clippers disappointed him. However, in January, he was ready to say yes to a $150 million extension over 3 years. But Los Angeles bought time and negotiations became difficult during the FA.

And Paul George therefore had to resolve to leave his friend Kawhi Leonard.

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