Sports
Why letting Paul George walk, and saying no to the Warriors, made sense for the Clippers
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Saying goodbye to Paul George was one thing.
The LA Clippers decided in early July to draw a hard line in negotiations with the 34-year-old, who wanted a four-year, $212 million max deal that he would get from the Philadelphia 76ers instead. The prospect of paying him nearly $60 million at the age of 37 — especially given his health history during his five years in L.A. — was a nightmare scenario the Clippers wanted to avoid.
Ditto for the no-trade clause that George wanted and was denied. Add in the long-term planning component — a four-year max deal for George would have gone one year past the length of Kawhi Leonard’s deal while cutting too deeply into the precious salary cap space that would be better used on younger superstars who might become available — and you start to understand why the nine-time All-Star was in a Sixers jersey for his reunion game at Intuit Dome on Wednesday night.
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Even if this Leonard-led era never pans out — and the track record speaks for itself at this point — the Clippers protected their ability to go big again in the summer of 2027. And with teams like the Bucks and Sixers having gone all in on their problematic three-star plans that are failing miserably at the moment, there’s an argument to be made that the Clippers’ vision will pay off.
If only for a night, it didn’t look like these Clippers needed George in their 110-98 win. Norm Powell, the guard who replaced George in the starting lineup and who deemed George’s departure “addition by subtraction” in the preseason, had 26 points (while hitting six 3s) and six assists while outplaying his former teammate (George had 18 points and seven rebounds).
The newcomer who wouldn’t be here if George had stayed, Derrick Jones Jr., was one of many productive role players who contributed a pivotal part when the lone available Clippers star, James Harden, had an off-night (5-of-15 shooting, six turnovers; 18 points and six assists).
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The Clippers improved to 4-4 — not too shabby considering Leonard (right knee) has yet to play this season. The Sixers — who have been without Joel Embiid (left knee) all season and George for all but two games (left knee) and must now worry about Tyrese Maxey after he suffered a hamstring injury against the Clippers — saw their pressure-packed situation get even worse as they fell to 1-6.
But when it comes to the George saga that was the top story of the NBA summer, and which will surely be discussed and re-litigated for years to come, the question that has confounded so many rival front-office executives and scouts this season is this: Why were the Clippers willing to say goodbye to George without getting anything in return?
As The Athletic’s Anthony Slater recently detailed, the Warriors remain both frustrated and confused by their offseason pursuit of George (and Utah’s Lauri Markkanen) that fell flat. Everyone from Golden State owner Joe Lacob on down chimed in on the matter, with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, coach Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. sharing their view of the sign-and-trade situation gone wrong.
There’s an old and outdated adage in the NBA that you just don’t let star players walk for nothing, but the Clippers — as so many around the league saw it — had gone against that grain by passing on their only real chance at recouping assets for George with the Warriors.
But just as the Clippers aren’t regretting the choices that led to George’s departure to Philadelphia, team sources are adamant in their defense of the Golden State decision as well. And the reasoning has everything to do with the financial flexibility that they valued more than what the Warriors had to offer. Strange as it might sound, they would argue that there are times when nothing is better than something.
Paul George walks near the Clippers bench on Wednesday. (Harry How / Getty Images)
Had the Clippers agreed to do the deal, with the most likely scenario being Golden State sending Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Moses Moody and a first-round pick their way in exchange for George, then team sources say the second-apron luxury tax penalties that would have come with it would have put the total cost at approximately $110 million. The Clippers had serious interest in Warriors fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga and would have likely done the deal if he was included along with the first-round pick, but team sources say he was never truly available.
The two teams did discuss scenarios that included Kuminga, team sources said, but the Warriors later pulled him off the table. Considering he was the only young Warriors prospect whom the Clippers truly saw as a potential star, that was the real X-factor in it all. Even Brandin Podziemski, the second-year guard who was on the Clippers’ wish list, wasn’t available. So rather than take what Golden State offered, and having to navigate the second-apron hell that came with it, the Clippers decided to target the role players of their choosing elsewhere.
If you somehow haven’t heard by now, the second-apron luxury tax penalties that come when a team’s payroll exceeds $189 million are the bane of every billionaire’s existence. Even owners like the Clippers’ Steve Ballmer, the former Microsoft CEO whose net worth of $123 billion makes him the richest owner in sports, are now forced to fear the consequences that come with spending your way to the top.
Frozen draft picks. A restriction against making trades in which multiple player salaries are aggregated. No midlevel exceptions, sign-and-trades, or ability to send cash out in trades. Minimum-salary players abound.
A blank check isn’t enough anymore.
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The list of roster-wrecking ramifications is long, and perhaps even boring to the casual fans, but the truth of it all is that front-office executives whose teams are in that unwelcome financial state are like handymen with an empty tool belt. Among all of the involved parties in George’s Clippers exit, opinions differ when it comes to the second-apron effect.
On the one hand, the Clippers offered George a three-year, $150 million deal that would have put them in the second-apron territory throughout the length of that contract. They even offered a four-year deal for less than max money, further proving that point. To some extent, quite clearly, they were willing to deal with the second-apron life.
On the other hand, the Clippers showed a strong commitment to avoiding the second apron in all the scenarios that didn’t involve either elite players or young players with the potential to be elite (George or Kuminga). There’s a gray area here on this front, but it’s just silly to pretend that it didn’t come into play.
To watch George fall short against his old team on Wednesday was to wonder if maybe the Clippers didn’t make the right call after all. He is still an elite player in this league, the kind of two-way talent who would fit in beautifully on any legitimate title contender.
But the Clippers aren’t that, not with Leonard’s tenuous status and Harden’s advanced age. Nor are the Sixers, who have a franchise centerpiece in Embiid whose near-constant health issues put him alongside Leonard when it comes to being a calculated risk.
George wanted to maximize his money, and he did just that. The Clippers wanted to protect their future, and they did that too. Whether that makes it a win-win is in the eye of the beholder, but it might be that simple in the end.
(Photos: Tim Heitman, Barry Gossage / NBAE via Getty Images. Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic)
The final weekend of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, with France and England playing for third place on Saturday before defending champion Argentina takes on 2010 winner Spain for the title on Sunday.
Here’s everything you need to know about the last two matches of the 39-day, 48-team tournament in North America (all times Pacific).
Saturday’s third-place game
France vs. England
France star Kylian Mbappé smiles during a World Cup semifinal match against Spain on Tuesday.
(David Ramos / Getty Images)
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Time: 2 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo | Streaming: Fox One, Peacock
The buzz: This is a game neither team really wants to play. The disappointment of missing the final is fresh and the weather report calls for temperatures in the high 80s with 68% humidity and a chance of thundershowers — a brutal South Florida summer day. The $2-million difference in prize money between third and fourth place isn’t likely to make any of that more palatable. Still, the game will have meaning for France since it will be the final match for coach Didier Deschamps, the winningest World Cup manager in history. And captain Kylian Mbappé, tied with Argentina’s Lionel Messi for most goals in the tournament (8), has a chance to become the first player to win consecutive Golden Boots. England is playing in the consolation final for the second time in three World Cups; it lost to Belgium 2-1 in 2018. But this one will probably sting even more since the Three Lions were five minutes away from their first final in six decades before collapsing against Argentina. This could be the last World Cup game for England’s Golden Generation of Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford, John Stones and Jordan Henderson.
Sunday’s championship game
Spain vs. Argentina
Argentina star Lionel Messi celebrates after a win over England in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday.
(Buda Mendes / Getty Images)
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
Time: Noon
TV: Fox, Telemundo | Streaming: Fox One, Peacock
The buzz: Argentina has a chance to become the first repeat World Cup champion since Brazil in 1962, which would give Messi another grand achievement in his sixth and likely final World Cup. Messi enters the weekend as the all-time leader in goals, assists and games played in tournament history. But unbeaten Argentina hasn’t made things easy, with its winning goals in the four knockout-round games coming in the 92nd minute or later. Spain, the reigning European champion, will be playing to put a second star on its jersey to match the one it won in 2010. La Roja, with the sixth-youngest roster in the World Cup, got to the final on the strength of spectacular defense led by Unai Simón, who has six clean sheets in seven games. Mikel Oyarzabal is the team’s leading scorer with five World Cup goals. The teams had one common opponent in this tournament, tiny Cape Verde, a World Cup debutante. It played Spain to a scoreless draw in its opener, then held Argentina to a 1-1 standoff into extra time before falling.
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One of the most memorable moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics came early, when skier Lindsey Vonn delivered a gutsy performance for the ages by competing at 41 just a week after injuring her knee in a crash.
Unfortunately, as admirable as her perseverance was, she injured herself badly in another crash just 13 seconds into her run in the women’s downhill final.
Five months later, Vonn is still very much dealing with her injuries.
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Lindsey Vonn speaks on stage during the 2026 ESPYs. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
“It’s been a very slow process,” Vonn told People while attending the ESPYs Wednesday in New York City. “It’s been five months since I’ve been able to actually go to the gym in a somewhat meaningful way. And walking is actually still really hard for me. My ankle is still broken.”
Regardless of the outcome, her decision to attempt that run remains one of the most courageous moments of the Games.
Lindsey Vonn was involved in a serious crash during the women’s downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. (Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images)
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Remember when I mentioned that injury before the Olympics? That wasn’t just a minor bump in the road; it was a completely ruptured ACL.
There was no questioning her courage, but the aftermath has been difficult.
Lindsey Vonn walks through pit lane ahead of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto)
“I was in a wheelchair for so long. I was on crutches for so long,” Vonn said. “It was honestly almost 3½ months that I was unable to walk unassisted. I got very emotional when I was able to walk on my own.”
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This week, Vonn posted an update on her recovery and said she has “a very long road ahead.”
The UCLA women’s basketball team won its first NCAA championship in April. Now, it’s vying to stay on top.
Based on Thursday’s practice, after which UCLA spoke with the media for the first time since its dominant title run, it’s clear that the Bruins intend to remain on top, even with a target on their back and a revamped roster.
Success leaves clues
One would think a defending champion pursuing a repeat would, well, just try to run it back.
But not Cori Close’s bunch.
Entering her 16th season as coach, Close is emphatic about the importance of process over outcome — or journey over destination — and leaning into the beauty of the grind.
“We get to walk out and live out what we learn from the championship run,” Close said. “But we’re also not trying to repeat a championship outcome. We’re trying to repeat a championship process. And success leaves clues. There are things that we want to make sure we carry over from what we learn.
“But this is a new art project. This is a new identity. This is a new chance. The standards don’t change, but the way we go about it is going to be unique to this team, and that’s really fun to explore.”
The 98%
UCLA coach Cori Close speaks during a news conference on April 4.
(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
Part of the “championship process” Bruins fans can expect to hear about is the “98%.”
Close repeated it. Players repeated it. It’s a mentality Close wants the Bruins to keep in mind throughout the season.
“What I mean by that is 98% of the game is played without the ball,” Close explained. “Can you become a better screener? Can you learn someone else’s tendencies? Can you talk more on defense? Can you become a better rebounder? How many ways can we learn from each other and be better ‘98%’ players? And if we do that, we’ll be on our way.”
Possessing the ball — the 2% — does matter. But players who can thrive without the ball will establish a team that, in Close’s eyes, can be difficult to beat.
Sienna Betts’ role
UCLA forward Sienna Betts, left, speaks to her older sister, UCLA center Lauren Betts, before a game in December.
(Caroline Brehman / Associated Press)
Sienna Betts, the younger sister of departed UCLA star Lauren Betts, is set to have a key role as a returning sophomore on a team with many new players.
“It’s going to be different,” Sienna said, referencing the Bruins losing six players to the WNBA. “But I mean, I’m excited. And it’s not the first time I’ve been in a position like this; I mean, not at this level, obviously. So, I’m just excited to be in this new role. And I have coaches who are here to help me.
“I’m just planning on doing whatever Coach Cori needs from me, whatever the team needs.”
The 6-foot-4 forward is primed to be the Bruins’ anchor in the paint. She demonstrated her leadership during Thursday’s practice as well as some bully ball inside.
Betts, who is left-handed, mentioned her focus on right-handed shooting this offseason in preparing for increased touches. She averaged six points and four rebounds over 28 games as a freshman. Close said she is improving quickly.
“The younger players have grown into new roles,” Close said. “I think you could see glimpses of that [with] how Sienna’s already started to do that, even maybe ahead of where I thought she’d be at this point.”
Elina Aarnisalo’s return
UCLA guard Elina Aarnisalo controls the ball in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA tournament.
(Young Kwak / Associated Press)
Elina Aarnisalo, who played for UCLA as a freshman in 2024-25, is back in Westwood after spending her sophomore season with North Carolina.
The 5-10 guard averaged 5.1 points, 3.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds as a freshman and saw her scoring double (10.2) in Chapel Hill. Aarnisalo, a native of Finland, said she is more confident, not only as a player but also as a communicator.
“There’s going to be a lot of spots on the team open now after a big draft class,” Aarnisalo said. “And a lot of seniors leaving, that obviously interested me too. Talking with Cori [about] what my role could be on this team and what we could accomplish this year … just knowing the standards at UCLA, how we practice, how they focus on individual work; I’ve seen it, and I’ve seen my old teammates [and] how they’ve succeeded in this environment, which is why I wanted to come back.”
Aarnisalo averaged 21 minutes per game as a freshman and 27 as a sophomore. She stands a good chance of receiving even more playing time.
New faces, same goal
Former Texas Christian guard Donovyn Hunter is among the new players on the UCLA roster.
(Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)
The Bruins will look starkly different after essentially exchanging six WNBA-ready players for five enticing transfers.
Those newcomers are Texas Christian guard Donovyn Hunter, Iowa State forward Addy Brown, Arkansas guard Bonnie Deas, Notre Dame guard KK Bransford and Aarnisalo.
“These girls are obviously really talented, come from really different programs,” Betts said. “It takes a second to adjust to Coach Cori’s rhythm, and her offense, and just how she runs practice and games. But I think they’re doing a great job integrating in, and they’re all just great human beings off the court and on the court. So, I’m really excited for this group.”
Close acknowledged she has been very busy. She had to retool the roster while simultaneously celebrating the previous one.
“I’m not complaining, but it has been a great challenge and an incredible, intense thing,” Close said. “I mean, literally, the minute after the UCLA women embrace new players, tougher standards in bid to repeat as champs game, we are on the phone with recruits from the locker room, and the next day, the transfer portal opens. So, I mean, this has been nonstop.”
UCLA’s first test is north of the border
The Bruins will face Canada’s women’s national team in an exhibition next Wednesday in Victoria, British Columbia.
While UCLA is far from a polished product, facing Canada’s best is, if anything, a great opportunity to gain even more exposure and improve team chemistry.
“We’re trying to get better. We’re trying to get more physical,” Aarnisalo said. “So we’re going to be in better shape when the actual game starts and the season starts. So it’s an everyday process.”
Timea Gardiner trending upward
Bruins forward Timea Gardiner is expected to play in Canada after missing last season as a medical redshirt because of a knee injury.
Gardiner, who transferred to UCLA in 2024 after two years at Oregon State, averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 18 minutes per game in her first season with the Bruins.
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