Clips leave George amid varying demands, signs scandal-ridden Porter Jr. – vox888

vox888 All-Star forward Paul George has left the LA Clippers as an unrestricted free agent after more than five years together, the team said in a statement. vox888

ESPN reported that the 34-year-old player demanded a four-year contract but the offer was not made to him by the team, which would have tied him to more than three seasons, so they had to go their separate ways.  ( vox888 )

The next favorites are the Philadelphia 76ers or the Orlando Magic. 

“We have been in discussions for months with Paul and his representatives regarding a contract that makes sense to both parties, given their different needs,” the Clippers said in a statement. 

“The key issue is the gap between the two parties that is too wide.”

“We understand and respect Paul’s decision to pursue his next contract elsewhere. He is looking for a team that will accept his team option for next season and then let us trade him, but that would put the team at a disadvantage under the new CBA rules, which would provide little in return for pursuing that option.” 

“We will miss Paul, but at the same time we are excited about the opportunity to now add more energy, and have some flexibility with the salary cap under the new CBA rules,”