Not so long ago, the Los Angeles Clippers made one of the biggest moves in recent NBA history, signing Kawhi Leonard and immediately trading for Paul George.
On paper, Steve Ballmerās team looked poised to become the ultimate powerhouse in the Western Conference, even ahead of the likes of the Golden State Warriors.
But paper doesnāt win titles, and theyāve been hurt more often than theyāve been on the court. Thatās why Brian Windhorst of ESPN doesnāt see a scenario where they get a big extension.
Kawhi Leonard And Paul George Wonāt Get Big Contract Extensions
āI donāt think thereās any chance that those guys get four-year extensions,ā Windhorst said. āThey both can be free agents after next season because they have player options. Thereās no chance that theyāre getting extended four years. I would be stunned if they get extended four years. But that doesnāt mean that they canāt get extended, though. And that the Clippers wonāt make an offer or even a multi-year offer.ā
Notably, his ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith echoed a similar sentiment. He pointed out how many games PG and Leonard have missed over the years, and how theyāre pretty much a waste of money to the organization.
āYouāve missed 119 of 307 regular season games,ā Smith said. āThatās 38 percent due to injuries. In that time span, youāve earned $148.2 million in your career. $57.3 million of those moneyās worth the games missed. Kawhi Leonard; heās missed 147 of 308 regular season games. Thatās 48 percent due to injuries, Kawhiās earned $146.9 million in his career with the Clippers. About $70.8 million for games heās missed. I donāt see the Clipper fans getting any refunds.ā
see also
NBA Rumors: Clippers may not want James Harden so badly
This will be a controversial matter for months to come, and we wouldnāt be shocked to see both of them tangled up in countless trade rumors until their situations get settled, if ever.
