The Clippers Blew It With Paul George

Imagine spending $2 billion on a new arena, and months before you move in, you have the opportunity to lock up on your fan favorites for another four years. You decide to lowball him, thinking that we will not walk. Welcome to the wonderful world of the Los Angeles Clippers, who could have easily saved everyone a bunch of pain by giving Paul George a new 4-year deal.

Instead, the Clippers reportedly offered George the same 3-year deal Kawhi Leonard signed for 3 years at $152 million. George, who was reportedly pushing the Clippers to offer him a 4-year deal in the neighborhood of $210 to $220 million, did not get it.

Heading out into free agency, George will find that there are a handful of teams that can offer him a four-year max contract worth $212 million. 

While this is not your father's Clippers organization anymore, thanks to the excellent job Steve Ballmer has done since taking over the team. However, this move makes no sense from a fan perspective and reminds me of the kind of silliness the old Clippers regime regularly put its fans through.

Yes, George is now 34 years old and has had a track record of injuries, but last season he played in 74 games, averaging just 23 points a game and shooting over 41% from the 3-point arc. Clearly, George still has a lot left in the tank, and you can expect the contenders for his services to be the 76ers, Mavs, Lakers, and Magic. I'm sure any of the teams mentioned would be happy to give him a four-year deal.