Paul George coming to Los Angeles and play alongside Kawhi Leonard with the Clippers seemed a classic example of an All-Star player chasing his first NBA ring. That might be part of the reasons, but George insisted it was also a homecoming. An opportunity to return to California was presented to him, so he grabbed it.
According to George, he made the decision to join the Clippers because it paved the way for him to be closer to his mother, who cannot travel far to watch NBA games due to a prior medical condition. Sure, basketball played a big role in his transfer, but George saw it too on a more personal level.
"For a lot of reasons, it was a basketball move. But that's not where it comes from. It was a lot deeper than me coming here for basketball reasons," NBC Sports reported the Clippers star as saying.
George said his mother had a stroke when he was young but recovered enough to see him play in Fresno, California. However, it was a different case when he entered the NBA. George's mother would have loved watching his every game, but that was physically impossible.
Then he made a connection with Leonard, and the two ended up suiting up for the Clippers. George acknowledged that the trade offered him a greater chance of achieving his dreams. He knew that winning an NBA title would be easier with Leonard, who owns two NBA rings, on his team.
However, George was quick to stress that re-joining his family is of equal importance as well.
"For me to be able to come to her and make it a lot easier for the travel on her and my dad, that was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to come back and play at home," the six-time All-Star shared.
George also revealed the bits of the details that led to his joining force with Leonard, who, like him, had to jump ship, from the Toronto Raptors, to don the Clippers jersey.
George said he first got in touch with Leonard after the Raptors won the NBA championship against the Warriors. He made the call to send his congratulations, and then the two spoke and texted more until they made the decision to play together in Los Angeles.
According to Bleacher Report, George and Leonard frequently met at the Los Angeles house of Drake, who is a friend of the latter. Then by July last year, the plan was finalized - Leonard will move to the Clippers on condition the team will hire a player like George.
The Clippers indeed made the acquisition requested by Leonard and made the deals for the OKC to release George. The two are now with Clippers, and they are among the top favorites to win the 2020 NBA title.
