Steve Ballmer on Paul George leaving Clippers: ‘It was the right choice for us’

If the Clippers kept all three stars, they felt the CBA would stifle their ability to add players who could provide some needed support to the trio, especially as Leonard and George age. Being the second bench team could cost the Clippers a first-round pick, something they need for any potential trade for a star in the future. “When your projection freezes (and) you’re stuck in the second apron for a couple of years, you’re going to get really fed up,” president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told ESPN. “You’re in a situation where you never have cap space and you never have mid-level exceptions and you’re just dealing strictly with minimums and transactions. Our goal is to be a sustainable competitor.” -through ESPN / 6 November 2024