Report: Clippers Were Unwilling to Top Kawhi Leonard's Contract in Paul George Talks

Paul George has a player option on his contract for the 2024-25 season and could be one of the most sought-after free agents this summer if he declines it, but the Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly hesitated to give him a massive offer at this point.

Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer reported Monday that the Clippers "haven't offered George a dollar more than what they paid [Kawhi] Leonard: three years, $152.4 million." That is the case even though Los Angeles could offer him a four-year, $221 million deal.

If the Clippers don't increase their bid, that would give other teams the opportunity to land the nine-time All-Star.

O'Connor said the Philadelphia 76ers' "Plan A" for free agency is pursuing George. The 76ers can offer him a four-year, $212 million deal, which is more than Los Angeles is currently offering the swingman.

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer noted the 76ers' "desire to sign Paul George is well-known," so the Clippers could have some serious competition.

It is at least somewhat understandable why Los Angeles might be hesitant to give that kind of deal to someone who is 34 years old with a history of injury concerns. While George played 74 games this season, it was the first time he appeared in more than 56 games since the 2018-19 campaign.

That just so happened to be his last season with a team outside of the Clippers.

Leonard, who will turn 33 years old in June, also has quite the injury history and hasn't reached the 70-game mark in a season since he was with the San Antonio Spurs in 2016-17. Further committing to the Leonard and George duo for multiple years into the future at this stage of their careers may not be the best path forward to compete in the loaded Western Conference.

George is still excellent when healthy and averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from deep this past season.

That type of production would play in any lineup, and the Clippers surely want him back.

They just might not want him back enough to top an offer from the 76ers or others.