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Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN Workers Author
LAS VEGAS — Kawhi Leonard talked with Paul George all through the season about his contract negotiations and mentioned he was not shocked when George left to signal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
In his first feedback about George’s departure, Leonard mentioned Friday that he and George knew what wanted to occur for the duo to remain along with the LA Clippers.
George ended up signing a four-year, $212 million deal in free company with the Sixers.
“We knew what it was earlier than the season,” Leonard mentioned after USA Basketball’s apply on Tuesday. “We knew what it was going to return all the way down to. So, we talked the entire means by way of.
“It is no shock.”
Clippers coach Ty Lue informed ESPN that he talked a number of occasions with George in an effort to maintain him with the group. Lue mentioned “it was powerful” dropping his All-Star guard in free company.
“You lose an essential piece to the group like PG, it is arduous to exchange,” Lue, an assistant coach for USA Basketball, informed ESPN. “I am dissatisfied that we weren’t in a position to get the deal performed, dissatisfied he did not come again. It is powerful for the group. We obtained to see how we transfer ahead from right here.
“I talked to him many occasions, making an attempt to see what his mindset was, what we have to do totally different, how we will help his course of alongside. It is unlucky that he left.”
George mentioned on his “Podcast P with Paul George” that the Clippers initially provided him a two-year deal price $60 million, which he described as “disrespectful.” George detailed that the Clips inched their supply up by way of the season.
When the Clippers signed Leonard to a three-year, $150 million extension in early January, George mentioned he would have accepted the identical deal. However George mentioned talks have been tabled across the All-Star break and that after the season was over, he mentioned he would take the identical extension however with a no-trade clause, one thing the Clippers have been unwilling to do.
George mentioned earlier than signing with Philadelphia that it was essential for him to speak with Leonard to let him know of his choice and that Leonard was supportive. George expressed disappointment about not having the ability to play alongside Leonard and end what they got down to do in Los Angeles.
Leonard determined to signal with the Clippers in the summertime of 2019 as a free agent, with George becoming a member of him after being traded from the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. Enjoying with championship expectations every season, the 2 stars have been unable to get the Clippers previous the Western Convention finals in 2021 as a consequence of accidents.
The Clippers have been in a position to preserve James Harden, who agreed to a two-year, $70 million free agent deal.
In a media session with choose reporters on Sunday, Leonard mentioned he supported George’s choice however in any other case didn’t reply questions on him.
Leonard was requested Tuesday how a lot he must shoulder this coming season with out George.
“How a lot will likely be on me to steer the group?” Leonard mentioned. “The identical prefer it was final yr. It do not change.”
Leonard was unable to complete the previous two postseasons due to proper knee accidents. In 2023, he tore his proper meniscus after the primary two video games of a five-game collection with the Phoenix Suns, who eradicated LA within the first spherical. This previous postseason, he missed the ultimate three video games of the Clippers’ six-game loss to the Dallas Mavericks within the first spherical due to irritation in his surgically repaired proper knee.
Leonard mentioned his knee has felt “good” up to now throughout USA Basketball’s coaching camp and that he plans to swimsuit up Wednesday in opposition to Canada in an exhibition recreation.
“Yeah, I feel I am going to swimsuit up tomorrow,” Leonard mentioned. “All the things’s been good up to now. [The knee has] been at a impartial state, and I hope it stays that means.”
Lue provided his tackle Leonard’s efficiency up to now in camp.
“He is been good, one of the best I’ve seen him transfer since he obtained injured [on March 31],” Lue informed ESPN. “Shifting actually good. It is good to see him wholesome and trending in the correct path.”