The Los Angeles Clippers announced separation from their star guard, Paul George, on Sunday night. Soon after becoming a free agent, George found a new home with the Philadelphia 76ers, agreeing to a four-year, $212 million deal. Meanwhile, sports analyst Skip Bayless did not mince words, warning the 76ers for paying George so much given his age.
“The Sixers way overpaid for Paul George at age 34 in his 15th season. They will regret having to pay him in his 18th and 19th seasons,” Bayless wrote on his X account.
Nevertheless, Bayless also identified a blessing that the 76ers might get for signing the former Clippers star.
“But I give you this: HE DEFINITELY IMPROVES THEIR CHANCES OF BEATING BOSTON IN THE PLAYOFFS NEXT SEASON AND THE NEXT,” Bayless added.
Reportedly, George met with the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic during free agency to discuss potential deals.
Aaron Mintz, George’s agent, spoke with Clippers president Lawrence Frank on Sunday night. As no progress was made on a contract extension, it opened the door for the Clippers.
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Paul George’s Departure Marks End of Controversial Clippers Era
After five years with the Clippers, Paul George is on the way to set his legacy with the Philadelphia 76ers. With Paul George officially leaving the Los Angeles Clippers, many are now labeling the trade that brought him to the team as one of the worst in NBA history.
Back in the 2019 off-season, the Clippers made a massive move to acquire George from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The trade package included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and an unprecedented haul of draft picks, including the Clippers’ 2022, 2024, and 2026 first-round picks, the Miami Heat’s 2021 first-round picks, and the Clippers’ 2023 and 2025 first-round picks with the right to swap picks.
The high cost was justified at the time as the Clippers aimed to build a championship team around George and Kawhi Leonard. However, despite the promise, the Clippers have failed to win an NBA title during George’s tenure.
The former Clippers star ended his last season with the Clippers, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
