In a dramatic season opener on Wednesday night, the Phoenix Suns overcame a late deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 116-113 in overtime, spoiling the debut of LA’s new home at the Intuit Dome. Last season, the Suns struggled in the fourth quarter, but they closed regulation with a 22-12 run to force the extra period, showing early signs of improvement.
Phoenix’s star trio delivered, with Kevin Durant scoring 25 points and grabbing seven rebounds, Bradley Beal adding 24 points, including four three-pointers, and Devin Booker contributing 15 points and six assists before fouling out. The trio combined for 64 points, marking a historic first overtime game in a new arena since Charlotte’s Spectrum Arena opener in 2005.
James Harden posted an impressive near triple-double on the Clippers’ side with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. His connection with Ivica Zubac was strong, as the center tallied 21 points and nine rebounds, with half of Harden’s assists going to Zubac. Despite their combined 50-point effort, the Clippers fell short in their home debut.
As the new season kicks off, this thrilling overtime contest sets an exciting tone for both teams.
FX has released the trailer for its new limited series chronicling the Donald Sterling controversy. The series is called Clipped and will be released exclusively on Hulu. It is a six-episode limited series that is another ripped-from-the-headlines drama that explores a controversial moment in NBA history. The series will feature characterizations of the NBA figures involved in the saga, like Doc Rivers, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul. The series looks packed with all the drama befitting such a scandal.
Set in the year 2013, the series Clipped delves into the inner workings of the Los Angeles Clippers organization. It features former Clippers owner Donald Sterling, portrayed by Ed O’Neil, and Doc Rivers, played by Laurence Fishburne. Rivers had just joined the Clippers organization, which boasted players like Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. Their season took an unexpected turn when Sterling’s past racist comments were made public, sparking a whirlwind of controversy and power struggles between Sterling, Rivers, and the players. Finally, After years in the making, the first trailer for this intense drama is finally here.
The trailer scratches the surface of the ridiculous drama that took place in that 2013 Clippers season. Key figures in the story also include Sterling’s wife and business partner, Shelly Sterling, played by Jacki Weaver. Additionally, V. Stiviano, played by Cleopatra Coleman, Donald’s assistant and lover, recorded the infamous tapes that set everything off. At the end of the drama in 2013, Sterling was banned from the league and forced to sell the Clippers to current owner Steve Balmer. Overall, The Sterling incident changed the NBA landscape.
The sereis also stars Kelly AuCoin, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Rich Sommer, Corbin Bernsen , Clifton Davis , and Harriet Sansom Harris. The series promises a scandalous recreation of the event that rocked the NBA. The current Clippers are facing off against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA playoffs. Furthermore, The series is tied 1-1 and heads to Dallas for game 3. The Donald Sterling era feels like a distant memory. We will finally be able to revisit the high-profile scandal with fresh eyes. Clipped will premiere with two episodes on Tuesday, June 4, only on Hulu.
Kawhi Leonard, a name that resonates with basketball enthusiasts worldwide, has made significant strides in the NBA. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But how did Leonard amass such wealth, and what factors have contributed to his financial success?
Born on June 29, 1991, in Los Angeles, California, Kawhi Leonard’s life was not without its challenges. The youngest of five children, he faced a personal tragedy early on when his father was tragically murdered. Despite the adversities, Leonard’s passion for basketball remained undeterred. Leonard’s high school years saw him transfer from Canyon Springs High School to Martin Luther King High School. His senior year performances alongside teammate Tony Shell earned him recognition as a 4-star recruit. By 2009, he was ranked as the 48th-best player in the nation.
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 2, 2018 in New York City. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 100-91. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Leonard’s college career at San Diego State Aztecs was marked by achievements. In his sophomore year, he led the Aztecs to their second consecutive conference championship. However, after a promising run, they were defeated by UConn in the NCAA tournament’s round of 16.
Choosing to leave college after his sophomore year, Leonard was drafted by the Indiana Pacers but was soon traded to the San Antonio Spurs. Under the guidance of the legendary coach Gregg Popovich, Leonard’s NBA journey truly began.
TORONTO, ON – JUNE 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors holds the MVP trophy during the Toronto Raptors Victory Parade on June 17, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. The Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 4-2 to win the 2019 NBA Finals. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
During his tenure with the Spurs from 2011 to 2018, Leonard garnered numerous accolades. Notably, he was named the NBA Finals MVP and clinched the NBA Championship. His unique style of play earned him the nickname “The Klaw.” Moreover, his defensive prowess saw him win the Defensive Player of the Year title in both 2015 and 2016.
In 2018, Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors. His leadership and skill were instrumental in leading the Raptors to their first NBA title in 2019, earning him his second Finals MVP award. Following this, Leonard returned to his hometown, joining the LA Clippers in July 2019.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 15: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers of the LA Clippers dribbles the ball during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 15, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Leonard’s financial success is not solely from his NBA salary. His endorsement deals add millions to his earnings annually. In his first decade in the NBA, Leonard earned a staggering $150 million in salary alone.
His contracts have seen significant jumps over the years. In 2015, he signed a 5-year contract with the Spurs worth $90 million. Later, in 2019, Leonard’s contract with the LA Clippers was a three-year deal amounting to over $103 million.
SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 4: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers sits in the stands as the San Diego Padres face against the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 4, 2023 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
Apart from his earnings on the court and through endorsements, Leonard has made significant investments in real estate. In 2019, he purchased a home in Rancho Santa Fe, California, for $13.3 million. He also owns properties in LA’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood and a condo in downtown Los Angeles.
Kawhi Leonard’s journey from a young boy in Los Angeles to an NBA superstar is nothing short of inspirational. His dedication, skill, and strategic financial decisions have culminated in a net worth of $80 million in 2023. As he continues to play and invest, there’s no doubt that Leonard’s star will only shine brighter in the years to come.
Paul George, a name synonymous with basketball excellence, has made significant strides both on and off the court. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $90 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But how did he amass such wealth, and what has been the trajectory of his illustrious career?
Born on May 2, 1990, in Palmdale, California, Paul George, often referred to by fans as “PG13,” embarked on his basketball journey alongside two older sisters who shared his passion for the sport. His love for basketball was evident early on, with the Lakers and the Clippers being his childhood favorites. Despite not being a top prospect for many universities, George’s talent shone through during his time at Fresno State. His performances were so captivating that he was dubbed “the most entertaining player in the West region.”
DENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 26: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers plays the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on February 26, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
In 2010, the Indiana Pacers recognized his potential and selected him tenth overall in the NBA draft. Over the years, George transitioned from a shooting guard to a small forward, a move that showcased his versatility and solidified his position as a key player for the Pacers. His prowess on the court earned him the NBA Most Improved Player title.
However, like many athletes, George faced challenges. A severe leg injury in 2014 threatened to derail his career. But with determination, he made a triumphant return, earning All-Star honors and even clinching an Olympic Gold Medal in 2016.
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 2: Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers reacts during the final seconds of the first overtime period against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on April 2, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 135-130 in double overtime. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Paul George’s financial ascent can be traced back to his initial two-year contract with the Pacers, worth $3.9 million. His earnings skyrocketed over the years, with endorsements adding a significant chunk to his income. Between 2017 and 2018 alone, he raked in $30 million from both his salary and endorsements.
In 2018, George inked a four-year deal with the Thunder worth $137 million. By the 2022 season, his impressive salary of $39.3 million positioned him as the seventh highest-paid player in the NBA. Furthermore, in December 2020, he signed a lucrative 5-year contract extension, which, depending on incentives, could be worth up to $226 million.
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 19: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers dribbles against Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at the Moda Center on March 19, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. The LA Clippers won 117-102. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Outside the court, George has shown a keen interest in real estate. He purchased a sprawling 16,000-square-foot home in Hidden Hills, California, for $7.4 million in 2016 and later sold it to rapper French Montana for $8.4 million in 2020. Not stopping there, in 2019, he acquired a $16 million home in LA’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood, previously owned by NBA star DeAndre Jordan.
Paul George’s journey from a young boy in Palmdale to an NBA superstar is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth of $90 million in 2023 is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and strategic financial decisions. As he continues to dazzle on the court, his legacy, both as a player and a savvy businessman, is sure to grow.
It appears that the needle has swung back towards ” trade” in the James Harden saga. Furthermore, it appears that the Clippers are the primary landing spot for the 10-time all-star. Per Sam Amick and Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Harden has identified the Clippers as his preferred destination. Furthermore, trade talks between the two sides are already underway. Additionally, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are both reportedly “on board” with the addition of Harden, per league sources.
With Harden essentially pushing for a trade, the Sixers can’t exactly push for a king’s ransom. However, the Clippers can’t exactly swindle the Sixers given the need to offset Harden’s $35.6 million salary. A package involving Norman Powell, another player with a big enough salary, and some picks would likely get the deal done. No formal trade has been agreed to yet, However, both sides will likely be eager to get the trade completed quickly so they can better focus on free agency. Now it appears that the Clippers are starting to make some moves to accommodate Harden.
Ivica Zubac Joins Trade Block
Our final pre-free agency notebook is live @YahooSports, featuring a full breakdown of what broke down between James Harden and the Sixers; plus details on Bruce Brown, Strus, Kuzma, Lakers, Suns and everything in between: https://t.co/d78WH4XLrH
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Clippers have added Ivica Zubac to the trade block. Zubac put up 10.8/9.9/1.0 in 76 starts for the Clippers last season, marking career highs in ppg and pg. His 9.9 rebounds per game were 11th-highest in the league and overall, he was a solid contributor for the team. Furthermore, he has been a top-tier interior defender in his five seasons with the Clips. Zubac has played at least 70 games in each of the last four seasons.
It’s not confirmed that Zubac would be part of the return for Harden. However, it’s hard to see the Sixers needing Zubac, given he plays the same position as reigning MVP Joel Embiid. It’s hard to see the Sixers agreeing to take on Zubac’s $22 million for essentially a backup center. However, Zubac’s trade availability may only be tangentially related to the Harden trade. The case could be that the Clippers want to build a superteam around Harden-George-Leonard and Zubac simply doesn’t fit into that idea. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.
The NBA offseason got its latest twist when James Harden exercised his player option with the Sixers hours before he would have become a free agent. However, that didn’t mean that Harden was staying in Philly. Per Shams Charania, Harden exercised his option year so that he and the Sixers could work out a trade. It’s a bizarre turn of events after Harden was reportedly “pretty on board with everything that Nick Nurse was saying in terms of trying new ways to optimize him, trying new ways to kind of re-vamp or re-tool that Philadelphia 76ers offense.”
Later, there were reports that a Harden trade wasn’t a guarantee. Instead, it was believed he could stay with the Sixers if an equitable trade to a contender wasn’t possible. Despite this, the Clippers and Knicks were both floated as interested parties. Now, it appears that the needle has swung back towards ” trade”. Furthermore, it appears that the Clippers are the primary landing spot for the 10-time all-star.
Sixers, Clippers Reportedly Working On Harden Trade
James Harden has identified the Clippers as his preferred destination and there’s optimism a trade will materialize, sources tell myself and @sam_amick.
More details on a looming 76ers breakup and the road that lies ahead.
Per Sam Amick and Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Harden has identified the Clippers as his preferred destination. Furthermore, trade talks between the two sides are already underway. Furthermore, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are both reportedly “on board” with the addition of Harden, per league sources. The question will be as to what the Sixers will want in return.
With Harden essentially pushing for a trade, the Sixers can’t exactly push for a king’s ransom. However, the Clippers can’t exactly swindle the Sixers given the need to offset Harden’s $35.6 million salary. A package involving Norman Powell, another player with a big enough salary, and some picks would likely get the deal done. No formal trade has been agreed to yet, However, both sides will likely be eager to get the trade completed quickly so they can better focus on free agency, which officially begins at 6pm ET on June 30. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.
In the latest twist of the NBA offseason, James Harden has exercised his $35.6 million player option with the Sixers. This means, unlike almost expectations, Harden will not test free agency. The news was somewhat expected, given the most recent reports of a positive meeting between Harden and new Sixers coach Nick Nurse. However, that’s where things stop making sense.
Per Shams Charania, Harden has opted-in into his option year so that he and the Sixers can work out a trade to send him out of Philly. It’s a bizarre turn of events after Harden was reportedly “pretty on board with everything that Nick Nurse was saying in terms of trying new ways to optimize him, trying new ways to kind of re-vamp or re-tool that Philadelphia 76ers offense.”
JUST IN: James Harden is opting into his $35.6 million deal for next season – in order for the 10-time All-Star and the 76ers to work together on a trade out of Philadelphia, league sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium.
The move comes about 25 hours before the start of free agency. It has been suggested that the move comes as a result of a muted free agency market for the 10-time all-star. Now, the Sixers will be able to work within the bounds of Harden’s existing contract, while trying to find an equitable trade for the veteran player. Per additional reporting from Charaina, the Clippers are expected to emerge as suitors for Harden’s services. However, it is still very much a developing story, so more teams could make themselves known in the coming days.
Earlier in the offseason, the Clippers were in line to acquire Malcolm Brogdon from the Celtics. However, that deal fell through over dubious medicals. Brogdon remains in Boston, with Marcus Smart heading to Memphis as part of a three-team trade to get Boston Kristaps Porziņģis. However, the Clippers do have the space to accommodate Harden. A trade including the likes of Marcus Morris and Normal Powell could work out for the two sides. Where do you think Harden will land? Let us know in the comments. Furthermore, this is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.
In the lead-up to the NBA Draft, one of the rumored trades surrounds Clippers veteran Paul George. According to March Stein, the Clippers have been gauging interest in George’s services. The veteran forward has been with the Clippers since 2019 and has a player option year in 2024/25.
“League sources tell The Stein Line that the LA Clippers have left various rival teams with the impression through their Draft Week conversations that they are, at a minimum, attempting to gauge Paul George’s trade value and, to hear some describe it, giving real consideration to the idea of disassembling the Kawhi Leonard/George tandem,” Stein reported.
Furthermore, Stein identified the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets as potential suitors. Both teams are in search of veteran talent. Furthermore, they have been reportedly willing to part with their high draft picks to acquire George. However, these trades, and other potential moves, appear to be in doubt.
Final pre-draft notebook @YahooSports is live, unpacking news and notes from last night’s Kristaps Porzingis-Marcus Smart-Tyus Jones trade, plus details on Paul George, De’Andre Hunter, Pascal Siakam, the Pacers, Hawks, Lakers and more: https://t.co/8rJYIIbnmj
Reportedly, the Clippers have received several offers for George from around the league. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Blazers had an offer featuring the third-overall pick rejected. Meanwhile, Ian Bagley of SNY reported that the Knicks had made contact with LA about George. However, talks did not progress very far.
Furthermore, the Clippers were briefly involved in a failed trade for the Celtics’ Malcolm Brogdon. However, Brogdon’s injury history nixed the deal. While the Clippers could still make a move, it appears that their gauging of George’s value did not yield the results they were hoping for.
As a result, the Knicks will look to run it back with a team anchored by their tandem of George and Kawhi Leonard. Since George and Leonard joined the team in 2019, the team has had minimal success. After reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2021, the team missed the playoffs in 2022 and were eliminated in the first round in 2023.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 02: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Another player who has been linked with a move but will likely stay with his current team is Zion Williamson. The young New Orleans Pelicans star, who is currently in the midst of an infidelity scandal, has been linked with a potential move away from New Orleans.
One potential trade partner was the Charlotte Hornets. This would have sent Williamson to Charlotte in exchange for the second-overall pick in the draft. These rumors were based on the idea that the Pelicans were especially keen on the highly-touted prospect Scoot Henderson.
“Zion getting traded before Thursday’s draft is fairly unlikely [according to] multiple league sources” reported The Athletic. “The Pelicans have yet to even include Williamson in any formal offers made to the teams holding top-3 picks, league sources tell The Athletic. There have been varying reports about how much interest Charlotte or Portland would even have in shipping off the No. 2 or No. 3 picks in a potential Williamson trade.”
June 18 saw the first blockbuster trade of the NBA offseason take place. Amid rumors that Zion Williamson and Damian Lillard may be on the move, it was the Washington Wizards who fired the first shot. Veteran guard Bradley Beal was traded to the Phoenix Suns for a package of players and picks. However, that trade may have been the first drops of water that break the proverbial dam in the coming weeks.
Paul George has played for the Clippers since 2019. After spending the first 7 years of his career with the Pacers, George had a brief stint in OKC before being traded to LA. George is an eight-time all-star, most recently this year. This season, the Clippers secured the Western Conference fifth-seed but suffered a first-round exit to the Suns. Now, George could be on the move.
Clippers Gauge Paul George Trade Value
Is another perennial NBA All-Star truly in trade play this week post-Bradley Beal blockbuster? We examine here: https://t.co/Q1UB7w2ehp
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Clippers have been investigating what a potential trade for George could net them. “League sources tell The Stein Line that the LA Clippers have left various rival teams with the impression through their Draft Week conversations that they are, at a minimum, attempting to gauge Paul George’s trade value and, to hear some describe it, giving real consideration to the idea of disassembling the Kawhi Leonard/George tandem,” Stein reported in his pay-walled newsletter.
Additionally, Stein reports that two teams with high draft picks have been “identified as potential trade partners.” First, there is the Portland Trail Blazers. Holding the #3 pick in this week’s draft, the Blazers have made it no secret that they are willing to trade their pick away to build an immediate contender around Damian Lillard. Also in the mix is the Houston Rockets, who hold the #4 pick. The Rockets are eager to find a veteran leader for their young rebuild. However, they have also been heavily linked to a possible reunion with James Harden. With Geroge on a player option at the end of the season and the draft just days away, expect these rumors to heat up quickly. Follow all the latest NBA trade rumors here at HotNewHipHop.
Kawhi Leonard had 69 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists through the first two games of the Suns-Clippers series. He had put the team on his back in the absence of co-star Paul George and had helped the Clippers stun the Suns in Game 1. If the Clippers were going to top the Suns, Leonard was going to be the most vital piece in that effort.
However, Leonard was sidelined towards the end of Game 2 and ruled out of Games 3-5 with a knee injury. There had been reports, and hopes, that he would be able to return to the series. However, these reports only ever went as high as a 50/50 chance that he would play. He was officially ruled out of the series-ending Game 5, with the Clippers losing 136-130. However, further details have now been revealed about Leonard’s injury.
Kawhi Leonard Out Indefinitely With Torn Meniscus
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium. Leonard averaged 35 points in first two games of this postseason vs. Suns before the meniscus injury was revealed and he was shut down by medical staff.
According to sources who spoke with The Athletic, Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee. That will shut down the Clippers star for most, if not all, of the offseason and could even extend into the 2023-24 season. Leonard played 52 this season as he dealt with a handful of nagging, small-scale injuries. However, he is quickly gaining a reputation as a GOAT-level player…when he’s healthy. Kawhi has missed a total of 160 games during his stint with the Clippers. In comparison, he has played in 187. ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith has already declared that this latest injury should be the end of Leonard’s time with the Clippers.
However, Leonard’s injury all but guarantees he will play for the Clippers next season. 2023-24 is a player option year for Leonard, meaning that he had the right to opt-out and pursue free agency if he wished. However, the market for the veteran forward will be much smaller now that he’s publicly dealing with such a severe injury. Barring a contract extension, Leonard would be a free agent at the end of next season. Furthermore, the Clippers can’t cut Leonard because his contract his fully guaranteed. That means LA is on the hook for nearly $49 million (cutting Leonard also imposes a cap hit of $45 million). However, it remains to be seen what the recovery timetable looks like for Leonard.
