LA Clippers President Gets Honest About Paul George Amid Trade Rumors

The LA Clippers continue to state they want Paul George back
Nov 14, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul George (13) reacts during in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul George (13) reacts during in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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LA Clippers star Paul George has two days to make a decision on his $48.8M player option for next season. Per several reports, the possibility of George opting into his contract and pursuing a trade elsewhere is increasingly likely. Speaking with reporters following the conclusion of the 2024 NBA Draft, Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was asked about George.

"We had ongoing conversations with Paul and Aaron Mintz, his agent. We love Paul. We very much want to retain Paul," Frank said. "But we also very much understand and respect the fact that this is a business and players have a finite amount of time to be able to not just make the most amount of money, but to be able to pursue whatever they want."

Frank added, "We hope Paul [George’s] decision is to be here. He’s been awesome, he’s been an All-Star three out of the five years, he’s one of the best two-way players in the league, he’s a terrific person, has a great family, so we hope he’s here. But also, respect the fact that if he chooses to opt out, that that’s his choice. He’s earned it and we will see how things play out."

Seeming to suggest that George is going to explore all options that allow him to maximize his potential earnings, Frank expressed a level of respect for this process while maintaining the organization's desire to retain the nine-time All-Star.

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Joey Linn

JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.