[LA Times] Can Clippers afford to give Kawhi Leonard and Paul George two more max contracts?
![[LA Times] Can Clippers afford to give Kawhi Leonard and Paul George two more max contracts?](https://lemm.ee/pictrs/image/2ba9d26e-d5ff-4e98-92bc-68d89e8b3d9e.webp)
https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2023-07-12/clippers-kawhi-leonard-paul-george-contract-extensionsOpen linkView original on lemm.eehttps://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2023-07-12/clippers-kawhi-leonard-paul-george-contract-extensionsOpen linkView original on lemm.ee
Yes they can but no they shouldn’t.
On the other hand, they have no draft picks, so they might as well. They're screwed unless PG and Kawhi both stay healthy, which has to be a 5% chance at best, but if they don't sign them what are they going to do, build through free agency? They would be letting go of the two best free agent options.
They're screwed either way, might as well ride it out and hope for one healthy season. Maybe play hardball and see if you can get them to take minor pay cuts, team option in the last year, etc.
You’re completely right, they are screwed either way. I just think with their new stadium opening soon and the higher tax thresholds, they are going to play a little hardball.
Not to mention they still don't own all their picks for a few seasons. If they blow it up it only helps OKC, not LAC.
Also it's literally a a drop in the bucket of Ballmers money