NBA Rumors: Paul George, Kawhi Never Talked Contract ‘Specifics’ Before Clippers Exit

The divorce between Kawhi Leonard and Paul George may have come down to communication.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported Leonard and George discussed remaining with the Clippers but “never talked specifics” regarding their contracts. Leonard inked a three-year, $149.7 million extension with the Clippers in January, leaving millions in guaranteed money on the table.

When the Clippers presented George with a similar offer, the All-Star balked, leading to months of failed contract negotiations that ultimately spurred his decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

While George’s decision ended his five-year partnership with Leonard, the two reportedly remained on solid terms. George contacted Leonard to inform him of his decision to court interest from other teams before the start of free agency, according to Shelburne.

The Clippers, by all accounts, chose their long-term financial flexibility over retaining George. Had they offered him his four-year max, it’s a virtual certainty George would have re-signed months ago and this fiasco would have been avoided.

Instead, the Clippers were steadfast in offering George only three years with less guaranteed money than they offered Leonard.

With the Sixers armed with a four-year max contract and a pair of younger co-stars in Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, George’s departure looks like a no-brainer in hindsight.