Clippers open vault to extend George deal

Perennial all-star guard/forward Paul George has signed a maximum contract extension reportedly worth up to US$226 million to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers, the team announced Thursday.

The Clippers are adding four years and US$190 million onto George's deal, which guarantees him US$35.4 million for the 202021 NBA season, ESPN reported. The team didn't release terms. George, 30, is a six-time all-star and five-time all-nba selection.

“This is an important moment for our franchise and our fans, to secure a long-term commitment from one of the premier two-way players in the NBA,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in a statement. “We're delighted by Paul's pride in representing Clippers fans, honoured that he trusts the organization with this chapter of his career, and share in his relentless pursuit of championships.”

George, a California native, was acquired by the Clippers in July 2019 and averaged 21.5 points per game in his debut season, which was delayed after the forward had surgery on both shoulders. George missed the first 10 games of the 2019-20 season and played in 48 overall, a season truncated by the coronavirus pandemic.

“As a kid growing up in Southern California, I always dreamed of playing in Los Angeles, where my friends and family could come watch me play,” George said in the statement. “I am proud to call this my home and look forward to doing my part in helping make the team a tremendous success — both on and off the court — in the years ahead.”

George was an MVP finalist in the 2018-19 season when he established career-best averages of 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals while sinking a career-high 292 three-pointers in 77 games. He also averaged 4.1 assists per game.

“Paul is one of the best and most versatile players in the league, and he has been for about a decade,” Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said in the statement.