Steve Ballmer leaned out from his seat on the baseline and shook hands with reporters passing by. The Clippers owner looked somber after watching his team lose 114-101 in Game 6 against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Arena and be eliminated from the playoffs.
A few minutes later, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said Ballmer came into the locker room and spoke to his players.
Ballmer, along with president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, have many decisions to make about the future of the franchise as it prepares to move to a new arena, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, next season.
Most of the questions will center on Kawhi Leonard's health, Paul George and Lue's contract extensions, and whether the Clippers will re-sign James Harden.
That's why Ballmer's decision to talk to his players after the season-ending loss meant “a lot” to the team, Lue said.
“You have the seventh or eighth richest man in the world, and he's a real fan. Like, he's a real fan. Like, he treats us like family.” ,” Lu said. “He actually genuinely cares about each person, and we've seen that over and over again. So you've got an owner who really respects you, not just as a basketball player, but as a human being and who you are.” It means a lot to have someone there. It's not just me standing on the basketball court and saying, “Okay, you're going to work for me.'' In fact, he really takes each person seriously. He cares about winning. He's very motivated. he's passionate about it. And that's what I love most about Mr. Ballmer. He treats everyone equally. ”
The Clippers had to play without Leonard again, but Leonard missed the fourth game of the series due to inflammation in his right knee. He played in 68 games during the regular season, but missed the final eight due to a knee problem. He played in Games 2 and 3 against the Mavericks, but his participation was limited. Leonard did not travel to Dallas for Game 6.
“When he was there, he was very frustrated,” George said. “You could tell by looking at him. He wanted to be out there. He wanted to be with us. But like we said, to protect him, he It was the staff that held him back when he realized he wasn't the one. So he was willing to do whatever he could. So it was frustrating for him not to be able to play with us. I know it was a ration.”
Leonard signed a three-year extension worth about $152 million starting next season. However, George has not signed a contract extension. He has a $48.7 million player option remaining for next season. The most the Clippers can offer George is a four-year contract extension worth up to $221 million, provided he opts out of the final year of his contract.
After struggling in six of 18 games, George was asked if he could be with the Clippers long-term alongside Leonard and Harden.
“Oh, if it works out that way,” said George. “absolutely.”
If George is unable to work out a deal, the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic are reportedly looking to acquire him. The most either team could offer George is a four-year contract worth about $212 million.
Clippers guard Norman Powell attempted a driving layup after beating Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) and guard Dante Exum (0) in the lane.
(Jeffrey McWhorter/Associated Press)
“I’m not focused on that yet,” George said. “I'm not there yet because I have a lot to digest myself. I'm looking forward to unpacking everything and getting back to normal. I've talked to my family and have their support. From there, I'm going to work on the next step. But I'm not just there yet.”
Harden will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Harden, acquired by the Clippers in October in a trade with Philadelphia, earned $35 million this season, but failed to advance beyond the first round, shooting 5-of-18 in the final round.
He was asked about his future.
“I don't even know,” Harden said. “You're asking me a question that has no answer. I've never thought about it.”
The Clippers expect Lue to be their coach “for a long time” and plan to consider extending his contract, according to a person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly. Lue was asked if he wanted a contract extension and spoke of his feelings for Ballmer, Frank, general manager Trent Redden, assistant general manager Mark Hughes and operations director Jillian Zucker.
“I hope so,” Lu said. “I didn't come here to jump around and go all over the place. Mr. Ballmer, Lawrence, Mark, Trent, Gillian, they've all been great to me. This is where I want to be and they I hope you feel the same way. I haven't had a better experience since I've been here. Mr. Ballmer has shown me so many different things. [I] I wouldn't have known if I wasn't here. …I mean, we have a great relationship with the owner, the front office, which is great. So I want to be here for a long time. ”
When the Lakers fired coach Darvin Ham on Friday, Lue's name came up as a possible replacement, having been offered five years ago, but the teams were unable to reach an agreement.
When asked about rumors about him being hired as Lakers coach, Lue said, “Yeah, I don't have any comment on that.” “I mean, it's great to be wanted. Look, it feels really good. But like I said, I want to be here and I hope I can solidify that. ”
