Basketball

Paul George’s departure was ‘no surprise’ – Kawhi Leonard

LA Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard admitted that Paul George’s departure from the team was ‘no surprise’. Leonard was in contact with George about his contract negotiations and his move to the Philadelphia 76ers was always on the cards.

George ended up signing a four-year, $212 million deal in free agency with the Sixers.

“We knew what it was before the season,” Leonard said after USA Basketball’s practice on Tuesday. “We knew what it was going to come down to. So, we talked the whole way through.

“It’s no surprise.”

Meanwhile, the Clippers head coach Lue Tye said he tried his best to convince George to stay with them but it was tough for the organization.

“You lose an important piece to the team like PG, it’s hard to replace,” Lue, an assistant coach for USA Basketball, told ESPN. “I’m disappointed that we weren’t able to get the deal done, disappointed he didn’t come back. It’s tough for the organization. We got to see how we move forward from here.

“I talked to him many times, trying to see what his mindset was, what we need to do different, how we can help his process along. It’s unfortunate that he left.”

Meanwhile, George said on his “Podcast P with Paul George” that the Clippers initially gave him a two-year deal worth $60 million, which he felt was “disrespectful.”

Leonard said his onus to lead the team through without Paul George will be the same as the last year.

“How much will be on me to lead the team?” Leonard said. “The same like it was last year. It don’t change.”

Speaking on Leonard’s performance so far in camp, Lue told ESPN, “He’s been good, the best I’ve seen him move since he got injured [on March 31. 

“Moving really good. It’s good to see him healthy and trending in the right direction.”

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India’s Junior Men Clinch Bronze with Gritty 2-1 Win Over Australia in Four Nations Tournament

The Indian junior men’s hockey team wrapped up their campaign at the Four Nations Tournament… Read More

June 26, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav Undergoes Successful Sports Hernia Surgery, Eyes Return for Bangladesh Tour

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has successfully undergone surgery for a sports hernia in his… Read More

June 26, 2025

Golden Glove Winner Jaspreet Singh Joins Bengaluru FC in Key Summer Move

Bengaluru FC have taken a decisive step toward rebuilding their squad by signing goalkeeper Jaspreet… Read More

June 26, 2025

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025