The Los Angeles Clippers locked up their NBA championship-winning coach, Tyronne Lue, to a five-year contract for $70 million. This is a huge commitment from owner Steve Ballmer and the organization, especially after a disappointing Game Six loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the playoffs. With the Los Angeles Lakers looking for a new coach, the Clippers likely felt a sense of urgency to sign Lue.
Lue explained after the playoffs that he wanted to stay with the Clippers, and they demonstrated their commitment by making him one of the top three highest-paid head coaches in the NBA. Lue and the Clippers finished with a 51-31 record, placing them fourth overall. While a second-round exit was disappointing, re-signing Lue brings stability to the team. The next question for the Clippers is whether Paul George will stay.
George has a $48.7 million player option he could decline this offseason. Reports indicate that the Sixers have their eyes on George, who is vying for his first opportunity to compete in an NBA Finals. The 47-year-old Lue will be crucial in persuading George to stay.
The Western Conference’s young talent is only getting better. While their two best players, Kawhi Leonard (34) and Paul George (32), are not old, they are not getting any younger. The organization feels a high level of urgency to reach at least the NBA Finals, especially with their $2 billion stadium being built in Inglewood.
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