Paul George Shares Heartbreaking Chat with Kawhi Leonard Before Leaving Clippers
When the Los Angeles Clippers traded five first-round picks, two pick swaps, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Danilo Gallinari for Paul George in July 2019 to secure Kawhi Leonard, anything less than a championship would have been a significant letdown. However, after only five seasons and a mere three playoff series wins, George’s time with the Clippers has concluded as he signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
This likely wasn’t the conclusion the Clippers anticipated when they acquired Leonard and George five years ago. However, the various challenges the team faced over the past half-decade have strengthened the bond between Leonard and George, forging a friendship that extends beyond basketball.
In the latest episode of Podcast P by Wave Sports + Entertainment, the new 76ers star shared that during his conversation with Kawhi Leonard about leaving the Clippers, Leonard was supportive and encouraged him to make the most of his earning potential.
The two will face each other as opponents on the NBA court again, but that won’t change how much Paul George considers Kawhi Leonard a brother. George feels an emotional sting from not achieving their goals together over the past five years and having to leave for the 76ers to secure the contract he believes he deserves.
“I see Kawhi as one of my best friends in this league, someone I really care about. Our families love each other. So it was tough to leave him because I enjoyed playing with him so much,” George said. “One of the hardest parts of my decision was knowing I was leaving my boy. But I had to have that conversation with him. We talked, and he gave me his blessing, saying, ‘Man, just go do what’s best for you.'”
Was the split between Paul George and the Clippers mutually beneficial?
Losing Paul George will be challenging for the Clippers. He provided secondary playmaking, excellent floor spacing, and significant defensive and rebounding support. George’s high rankings in advanced defensive metrics and the Clippers’ improved performance with him on the court over the past five seasons highlight his value.
However, George’s departure has allowed the Clippers to add more athletic players across multiple positions and further embrace a defensive identity. They acquired Derrick Jones Jr., who effectively defended George during the 2024 NBA playoffs. Jones is an athletic player who will benefit from playing alongside James Harden, a playmaker similar to Luka Doncic.
Additionally, the Clippers re-signed Nicolas Batum, added Mo Bamba and Kris Dunn, and took chances on Kevin Porter Jr. and Kai Jones, offering potential contributions for the next season. Not re-signing George also provides the Clippers with financial flexibility; they are now under the second tax apron and may have more trades lined up, especially with Russell Westbrook likely to change teams and another guard, possibly Bones Hyland, expected to leave due to the team’s crowded backcourt.
Meanwhile, Paul George secured a lucrative deal with the 76ers, joining 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid and 2024 Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey. As the third option on the team, this role suits George at this stage in his career.
The 76ers gain a player who averaged 23/5/4 last season with 47/41/91 shooting splits—a significant upgrade over Tobias Harris. A reduced offensive workload should help George return to his All-Defensive Team form. Although he is now far from his Southern California home, George could not have found a better team from a basketball perspective.
