The Los Angeles Clippers embarked on a new franchise era this season that excluded 9x All-Star Paul George, leaving veterans Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in the lead. With age playing a role in the squad’s superstar leadership, Clippers franchise owner Steve Ballmer addressed the reasons behind George’s exit and the new direction for the team.
Clippers Franchise Owner Details Reason for Change of Direction
Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer Talks Paul George Exit
When George and Leonard arrived in Los Angeles to form a new NBA superteam, the outcome certainly was not expected to be what it is today. Leonard is again dealing with ailing injuries, and his timetable for return is up in the air. George left in free agency to join Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. As for Harden, who joined the band in 2023, he is the lone veteran superstar awaiting Kawhi’s return.
Considering that Ballmer wanted him back, George taking his leave in the offseason was a significant change for the Clippers. Ballmer recently opened up with ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk on George’s exit and why he ultimately decided to let the 15-year veteran walk.
“We wanted Paul back, we made him a big offer. We really wanted him here. We just wanted to not put ourselves in a position where we can’t consistently be good. We offered him the max for three years and Philly offered him the max for four years. OK, I get it. But in terms of our trajectory and staying really good, it was really going to be an issue for us.
Despite losing a player of George’s caliber and living with the hopes of being able to re-sign him, Ballmer conceded that the way everything played out resulted in a productive offseason in other ways.
“The truth is, with Paul not coming back, we were able to upgrade our team. We don’t sign Derrick Jones Jr. if Paul comes back. We don’t sign Kris Dunn, our new defensive identity. Might not have Kevin Porter Jr., Nico [Batum]. … You could say, well, they’re not Paul George. No, they’re not Paul George.”
Age Playing a Role
The Clippers’ additions of Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum, Derrick Jones Jr., and Kevin Porter Jr. certainly added depth and an upgrade from Ballmer’s perspective. No, none of them are George, of course. However, Ballmer also stated that age played a role in the team roster changes. That factor plays into the direction Ballmer wants his team to go in. It’s also why he decided not to give George four years and a no-trade clause.
The interesting thing, though, is that age still casts a shadow over the Clippers. Harden and Leonard are 35 and 33 years old, respectively. Given Kawhi’s ransacked injury history, his body is undoubtedly well over 33. Kawhi is signed through the 2026-27 season, and Harden signed a two-year deal over the summer. Who really knows whether either star lasts the lengths of their contracts? But if age is a factor that Steve Ballmer is considering seriously these days, would it surprise if Leonard or Harden don’t last?
