In one of the biggest moves of this offseason, Paul George left the Los Angeles Clippers to join the Philadelphia 76ers. While the move shocked many, it was the candid remarks from Paul George’s father, Paul George Sr., that truly captured the emotional weight of the decision.
Paul George Sr. did not hold back when discussing his son’s exit from the Clippers. In a recent episode of “Podcast P with Paul George,” he described the departure as feeling like a betrayal.
“It was hurting,” he said. “It was like… I felt like they stabbed us in the back because I thought Paul did a whole lot for the team, as far as the fanbase, the fans were there. He was there. I think he gave them 110% and what he was asking, it wasn’t a whole lot. But they saw something different”.
The crux of the issue lay in the contract negotiations. The Clippers offered George a three-year deal worth approximately $150 million, similar to the contract given to Kawhi Leonard. However, George was seeking a four-year, $220 million maximum contract. He was willing to accept the three-year offer if it included a no-trade clause, ensuring his stay in Los Angeles. When the Clippers declined to meet these terms, George felt compelled to explore other options.
Paul George Sr. stood firmly behind his son’s decision.
“I didn’t want him just to take anything,” he explained. “So his whole thing is, he does stand up for what he believes in. And so he felt that that was a bunch of bull that they came at him with. And I wasn’t gonna sugarcoat it either. Yeah, I’m behind you 100%. If you’ve got to leave, we’re gonna leave”.
Before entering free agency, George met with the Clippers one last time, giving them an opportunity to match the offers he had received. When they declined, George communicated his decision to depart. Shortly after, he signed a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the 76ers, the most he could receive from any team other than the Clippers.
As Paul George embarks on a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers, the emotional and professional ramifications of his departure from the Clippers will likely continue to be a topic of discussion. For Paul George Sr., the move was a necessary step for his son’s career and well-being, despite the painful circumstances surrounding it.
