Clippers Must Prioritize Paul George Contract Extension amid NBA Free Agency Rumors

In January, the Los Angeles Clippers signed star forward Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $153 million contract extension. But the team's work to keep its core in place isn't complete.

Paul George could be leaving Los Angeles at the end of the 2023-24 NBA season. The 33-year-old forward has a player option worth $48.79 million for the 2024-25 campaign, but he could opt to decline it and head elsewhere.

The Clippers need to make sure that doesn't happen. But right now, an extension for George doesn't appear imminent.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, George and Los Angeles are "apart" in extension negotiations. It isn't "a big problem," per Windhorst, but obviously it would be better for both sides if they were closer to agreeing to terms.

But Windhorst believes that something will get done to keep George with the Clippers.

"I think the league believes that Paul George wants to remain a Clipper, and there would be concern in the league about recruiting Paul George—especially if you had to give away players to open up space," Windhorst said on the latest episode of his Hoop Collective podcast. "My informed speculation is that, eventually, Paul will agree to a deal with the Clippers. It may not be for the full max, but it may be for more than what the Clippers have been offering."

It makes sense why the team should keep George in Los Angeles.

Even though George will turn 34 in May, the 14-year NBA veteran continues to play at a high level. He earned his ninth career All-Star selection this season, and he is averaging 22.4 points and 5.3 rebounds through 67 games.

At this point in his career, George may not be deserving of a full max contract, because it isn't clear how many more productive seasons he will have. But he is worthy of a sizable deal, especially if he keeps it up throughout the rest of the season and the playoffs.

Los Angeles is sitting in fourth in the Western Conference at 46-27.

If the Clippers are going to capitalize on their window of contention and potentially win a championship within the next few years, it would help to have both Leonard and George as part of their core. They're two star players, and surrounded by the right complementary pieces, they're capable of leading the team to even greater heights.

That's why Los Angeles should figure out a way to get closer in negotiations in George, then get an extension done before the end of the season. Otherwise, it could potentially be too late.