Paul George signs four-year, $190 million max extension with Clippers

Paul George signed a max extension with the Los Angeles Clippers that will earn him an additional $190 million over four years, along with the $35 million he is set to earn this upcoming season.

This is a relief for the Clippers, as George's previous deal would have allowed him to potentially opt out and become a free agent after this season. Considering the high price the team paid Oklahoma City to trade for George, it would have been devastating to lose him after just two seasons, especially considering the disappointing playoff collapse by the Clippers in George's first year with the team.

The new contract does feature a player option for the 2024-25 season, meaning that George could potentially opt out one year early. Considering that George will be 35 by then, he may welcome that kind of money, unless he has a LeBron James-like ability to play at a superstar level into his mid-30s.

With George committed to the Clippers, he can now focus on helping deliver the franchise its first NBA title, something that fans immediately expected upon the arrival of George and Kawhi Leonard last year. The team was unable to overcome chemistry issues, and instead of facing off against the Lakers in the Conference Finals like many expected, the Clippers were upset by the Denver Nuggets, blowing a 3-1 series lead that resulted in the departure of coach Doc Rivers.

While George's future looks clear, there's far less clarity when it comes to Leonard, who has not signed an extension and could leave the Clippers after the season, leaving George to keep the team in contention.