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Paul George says Philly + Sixers felt like home after meeting with Dr. J + Sixers brass at house
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Paul George never wanted to leave Los Angeles, and the Clippers wanted him to stay forever. George shared this on his podcast, "Podcast P with Paul George," while wearing his new Philadelphia 76ers No. 8 jersey.
In Monday's episode, George revealed the details of the failed contract negotiations that led to his departure from the Clippers after five seasons. He signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia last week, emphasizing there were "no hard feelings" toward the Clippers.
"I never wanted to leave L.A. Initially, I wasn't trying to leave L.A.," said George, who grew up in Palmdale. "L.A. is home. This is where I wanted to finish my career and win a championship."
George's previous contract with the Clippers included a player option for the final year, worth $48.7 million for the 2024-25 season. Last fall, the Clippers offered him a two-year, $60 million extension, which George found "kind of disrespectful."
"I was like, 'Whoa, that's crazy,'" George said. "So, I wasn't signing that."
The Clippers' offer gradually increased during the season. In January, they extended Kawhi Leonard's contract for three years and $152.3 million. George asked for the same deal.
"I said, 'Just give me what Kawhi got. I'm not asking for more. Just give me the same,'" George said. "They didn't want to do that."
George decided to stop negotiations for the rest of the season to avoid it affecting his mood. After the Clippers lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs, they offered George a three-year, $150 million deal. He thought it was fair but also wanted a no-trade clause, which the team refused.
George then requested a four-year, $212 million deal, saying, "At least pay me my money. If you trade me, you trade me, but at least I wouldn't feel shortchanged."
The Clippers wouldn't agree, and George began considering other options. On June 29, he informed the Clippers he was opting out of the final year of his contract. After a final meeting with the Clippers' president of basketball operations, no deal was reached. On July 1, George agreed to terms with the 76ers.
"They weren't going to budge. I wasn't going to budge," George said. "I thought I played well enough for them to see me as part of their future. I thought I earned that. But it didn't feel right to come back with that energy."
George also discussed his private conversation with Kawhi Leonard about his decision to leave, saying Leonard supported him.
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