Paul George and Clippers sign new 5-year max contract worth up to $226 million

It is reported that Paul George agreed to a new maximum extension that will keep him with the Los Angeles Clippers through a minimum of the 2023-24 season.
Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the new deal will add four and $190 million to his contract, which was already set to bring him $35.4 million in 2020-21.

It gives the wing a maximum of $226 million over the next five seasons, including a player option for the 2024-25 year.

George could have become a free agent in 2021 if he refused his $37.9 million player option after next season.

On Thursday, according to Mark Medina of USA Today, Clippers president Lawrence Frank said, “This is an important moment for our franchise and our fans, to secure a long-term commitment from one the premier two-way players in the NBA.”

Coming off an up-and-down first season in Los Angeles, Paul George averaged 21.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He struggled in the playoffs, shooting a mere 39.8 per cent from the field and 33.3 per cent from the three-point range, and the LA Clippers lost in the second round.

He had been more productive in the past, earning six All-Star selections in the previous seven seasons. He was at his best in 2018-19 playing for Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and a league-high of 2.2 steals per game.

He was also named first-team All-NBA and first-team All-Defense that season.

While locking him down for the next few seasons, the Clippers expect a bounce-back performance.