NBA: Clippers and Paul George agrees 4 year $190M max contract extension

The LA Clippers announced today the team has signed six-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA forward Paul George to a multi-year contract extension.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski , Clippers extended their star player on a 4 year $190 million Max contract. The new deal will kick-in once his current deal ($35.4M) expires at the end of 2020-21 season. Also Geroge will have a new player option for the final year of the deal i.e. 2024-25 season

“This is an important moment for our franchise and our fans, to secure a long-term commitment from one of the premier two-way players in the NBA,” said Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. “We aspire to create a destination for players, an environment where they can succeed and enjoy their success. We’re delighted by Paul’s pride in representing Clippers fans, honored that he trusts the organization with this chapter of his career, and share in his relentless pursuit of championships. We admire his talent, his dedication and his unwavering allegiance to this region. We’re excited for the opportunity to accomplish our mutual goals together.”

“Paul is one of the best and most versatile players in the league, and he has been for about a decade,” said Clippers new head coach Ty Lue. “He can play on or off the ball. He can score in a variety of different ways. And he can guard almost every position on the court. His skill and leadership will be integral to everything we do for many years to come. I’m thrilled we can continue to build with PG.”

In his first season with the Clippers, George averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and shot a career-high 41.2 percent from beyond the arc. His career defensive rating is 102.29, tied for seventh among all active players. George set several franchise records in his first campaign with L.A., becoming the first player in team history to score at least 30 points in his first two games, which included the most points in a Clippers home debut (37). George made five three-pointers or more in 12 games, a new franchise mark, and he made the most three-pointers by a Clipper in a single postseason, with 37 in the 2020 NBA Playoffs.

“As a kid growing up in Southern California, I always dreamed of playing in Los Angeles, where my friends and family could come watch me play,” said Paul. “I am so grateful to Steve Ballmer, Lawrence Frank, Coach Ty Lue, my teammates, and the entire Clippers organization for believing in me. I am proud to call this my home and look forward to doing my part in helping make the team a tremendous success – both on and off the court – in the years ahead.”

A native of Palmdale, Calif., George was acquired by the Clippers on July 10, 2019. In December of 2019, the City of Palmdale hosted “Paul George Day,” a festival to unveil seven newly constructed and refurbished basketball courts at four local parks where George grew up playing. The Paul George Foundation has been a driving force in the community, with programs benefiting underprivileged children and raising awareness for stroke prevention.

Originally selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, George has appeared in 652 career games, averaging 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Clippers. The 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist is one of four active players in the NBA with at least 13,000 points, 4,000 rebounds, 2,000 assists and 1,500 three-pointers. George, 30, has been named to the All-Defensive Team four times and was the 2013 Most Improved Player.

George spent two collegiate seasons at Fresno State, averaging 15.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists over 63 games. His No. 24 jersey was retired by the Bulldogs in the fall of 2019.