Clippers' Low-Ball Offers to Paul George Sets Stage for Offseason Drama

The Los Angeles Clippers are hoping to regroup this offseason. Their season ended early in the postseason after they fell in six games to the Dallas Mavericks.

It's been tough for the Paul George and Kawhi Leonard tenure as they haven't made it past the first round since the 2020-2021 season.

Despite the lack of success, the Clippers gave Leonard a three-year, $153 million dollar extension on Jan. 10. Now George has eyes on inking an extension this offseason but the two sides have already hit a roadblock.

Clippers News: Los Angeles Low-Balled Paul George With Contract Offers

Shams Charania was on RunItBackFDTV and said that the Clippers offered George multiple contact extensions that were below the max. George is eligible to sign to sign a four-year extension worth up to $221.1 million but Los Angeles doesn't seem inclined to offer that.

George has a $48.8 million dollar player option for 2024-25 campaign, but he could become an unrestricted free agent by declining his option if both sides don't agree to a new deal by June 30.

The 33-year-old averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in 74 outings during the 2023-24 season. It's also his defensive tenacity on the other end that makes him a two-way threat in the frontcourt.

The Clippers also need to understand that if George touches the open market, he may not be coming back to Los Angeles.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers both have interest in bringing the nine-time All-Star to town. They both have the money to give George a mega-extension if the Clippers don't pony up the money.

It doesn't sound like the Clippers want to though as it's been reported that Los Angeles wants George to take less money and a deal similar to the one Leonard signed in January.

That would be a massive mistake as the Clippers are opening the door to unnecessary drama this offseason.