The Los Angeles Clippers have superstars Kawhie Leonard and Paul George under contract for just one more year, putting the franchise in the danger of collapsing if the duo decides to move on. Still, Clippers’ new head coach Ty Lue believes there is no room for worry.
In a recent chat with ESPN, Lue talked about the Clippers’ struggles last season and the concerns of some fans that Leonard and George might opt to enter the free agency next summer. For the 43-year-old coach, that doesn’t seem to be an option as he believes the duo is there to stay.
“I think Kawhi and PG are here to stay for a long time,” said Lue. “I think, in their situation and where they want to be, it’s here with the Clippers.”
Lue, who spent the past season as an assistant, also explained that he and the rest of the organization need to do their part in putting Leonard and George in the position to win.
“We just have to make it a great environment, and we have to win,” he added.
It is great that Lue remains positive, but the fact is that the departure of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George would equal a disaster for LA Clippers. While the franchise brought in Leonard for free, they needed to part ways with a scary package to get in George, including five first-round draft picks and talented guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
This makes it imperative for the Clippers to do everything to keep Leonard and George on board. Any other scenario would put them in an even worse situation than in the 2000s when playoffs were wishful thinking for the franchise.
