million player options for the 2022-23 season), and it seems the Clippers are at least exploring the possibility of keeping their star duo together for the long term.
There are a few reasons why the Clippers might be considering an extension for George. First and foremost, he is coming off a season where he played at an All-Star level and helped lead the team to the Western Conference Finals. Despite the disappointment of falling short of the NBA Finals, George showed that he can be a reliable and impactful player on both ends of the court.
Another factor is the uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s future. The two-time Finals MVP suffered a partially torn ACL in the playoffs last season and is expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season. While Leonard has a player option for next season, there is always some risk involved in relying on a player coming off a major injury. By extending George, the Clippers can ensure they have a star player locked in even if Leonard decides to explore other options.
Additionally, extending George could be seen as a signal to the rest of the league that the Clippers are committed to their current core. In recent years, the team has been labeled as “championship or bust,” but with only one trip to the Conference Finals to show for it, some may question whether the current roster can truly contend for a championship. By extending George, the Clippers would be showing a willingness to invest in their current group of players and build around them for the future.
Of course, there are also risks involved in giving George a long-term extension. The 31-year-old has had his fair share of injury issues in the past, and there is always a chance that his performance could decline as he gets older. Additionally, his playoff performances have often been criticized, and there may be concerns about his ability to step up in the big moments.
From George’s perspective, there are also factors to consider. He will have another opportunity to test free agency next summer if he declines his player option, and he may want to explore his options in a potentially weak free-agent class. However, the security of a long-term extension could be tempting, especially if the Clippers are willing to offer a significant amount of money.
In the end, the decision to extend George will likely come down to a combination of factors. The Clippers will need to weigh the risks and rewards of keeping their star duo intact, while George will need to decide whether he wants to commit to a long-term future with the team. While the talks are still in the preliminary stages and there is no guarantee that an extension will be reached, the fact that both sides are actively discussing the possibility suggests that there is at least some interest in making a deal.
As the Clippers enter what could be a make-or-break season, the decision on George’s extension could have far-reaching implications for the future of the franchise. If the team is able to build on its success from last season and make a deep playoff run, it could give them the confidence to commit to keeping their star duo together for the long term. On the other hand, if the season ends in disappointment and the Clippers are forced to re-evaluate their future, it could lead to major changes in the team’s roster and direction. Only time will tell what path the Clippers choose to take, but the discussions around George’s extension are certainly a sign that the team is considering all of its options.
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