Paul George, also known as PG-13, joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019 after playing two seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. George played with the Clippers until the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, after which he entered free agency. Many NBA analysts have speculated on possible landing spots for the four-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team.
It was reported that the Golden State Warriors were one of the teams George was considering after becoming a free agent following the recent season. Despite the speculations, the six-time All-NBA Team member accepted an offer from the Philadelphia 76ers. On Saturday, Philadelphia signed George to a four-year contract worth up to $212 million.
In a recent episode of Podcast P with Paul George, the host George opened up about his last conversation with Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard. Before signing with the 76ers, George claimed to have spoken with Leonard, who had some encouraging words for him.
George mentioned that Leonard was one of his best friends in the league and that their families loved each other. He asserted that it was tough for him to leave Leonard, and they talked at the last moment, with Leonard giving him his blessings.
“I owed Kawhi that conversation. He understood like, ‘Go get your bag.’ I look at Kawhi as one of my best friends in this league. Somebody that I f— with. Our families love each other. So it was tough to leave him just with how much I enjoyed being out there with him. That weighed a lot on me, just, damn, I’m leaving my boy. We talked, and he gave me his blessings of like, ‘Man, just go do what’s best for you.'” George said during the episode of his podcast.
George Opens Up About His Connection with Leonard
He further explained his bond with Leonard and mentioned the injuries they had during his time with the Clippers. He stated that he did enough to earn a $150 million deal.
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“We couldn’t remain healthy as a unit,” George said. “But I thought I did enough to earn that [three-year, $150-million deal with a no-trade clause]. They didn’t want to do it. So it was just a stalemate. Ultimately, it was like, all right, that ship has sailed. … I love Steve [Ballmer], I love Lawrence [Frank], but at that point, it didn’t even feel right to come back with that type of energy and be comfortable playing back in L.A.” George added.
In the same interview, George also mentioned his strategy before leaving the Clippers. He revealed that his initial intention was to stay with the Clippers, but the contract offers he received fell short of his expectations, leading him to consider other options.
Also Read: “Close to Being Done”- Paul George Uncovers the Story Behind His Trade Drama With the Warriors
