The Los Angeles Clippers are entering a new era.
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are no longer their star duo, with George taking his talents back to the Eastern Conference.
Needless to say, this transaction could have a massive ripple effect around the league.
George has turned the Philadelphia 76ers into an even stronger championship contender.
As for the Clippers, they brought in multiple players to try and make up for George’s departure.
However, the writing seems to be on the wall now.
Leonard’s perennial health struggles have set this team back over and over, and the Clippers seem to be stuck with him because of his contract extension.
That’s why Bill Simmons believes the team let George go because they knew how bad his knees were (via Legion Hoops).
Bill Simmons:
“I actually think [the Clippers] knew Kawhi’s knees were fu**** and that’s why they didn’t want to give Paul George all that money.”
(via The Bill Simmons Podcast) pic.twitter.com/i8polV5Kka
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 5, 2024
Of course, that makes perfect sense, especially considering the fact that George wanted to get the same deal that Kawhi got despite also being injury-prone.
Then again, the Clippers could’ve chosen not to extend Leonard this season if they felt that way about him, so that’s where Simmons’ theory falls short.
Whatever the case, the Clippers no longer seem to be a legitimate championship contender.
We’ve already seen how James Harden struggles in the playoffs and he’s no longer the player he used to be in his prime.
As for Leonard, he’ll have to prove that he can stay healthy for a full season and the playoffs, and that’s going to be a very difficult challenge at this point in his career.
