Are Russ & PG Gone? Clipper Beat Writer Law Murray Joins Show To Give Latest

In this episode, die hard LA Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri is joined by Clipper Beat Writer Law Murray of The Athletic to break down the latest with Paul George, Russell Westbrook, & the LA Clippers direction.
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[@shanenashakes1696]

Love Law on the pod! Well informed and unbiased reporting, and seems like he has lots of inside scoop

[@sydguitar99]

Well he is biased because if he says anything to make these players look bad he knows he'll lose access to them

[@shanenashakes1696]

​​⁠ I don’t think so, I think he’s a straight shooter. I see other ppl with inside access who will sugar coat. I also, just think he’s a professional and is talking about a team that we all will still support regardless so no need for emotional talk just him reporting. I like it.

[@BromeliadBro]

Great insight from Law, as always. Glad to know it's about the years, not the per-year amount for PG. We're screwed next season without him, no matter who we get in return; hope he'll accept 3 years. I'll miss Russ, but he is awful when he's unhappy, and it's clear he's been unhappy for a while now.

[@cameronlynch5876]

Russ just opted in lol

[@allydea]

Well, I guess that tells us how much he loves spending time with his family. 'Cause he certainly isn't enjoying his Clipper life.

[@donjavon0021]

He opted In to get his guaranteed money and now the clippers and russ agent are coming to mutual agreement to trade

[@thomastalented]

Kuminga Wiggins Moody = Deal

[@jimhresko9102]

that would be great for the Clips!

[@frankwhite3405]

Dumb a** why would you help the warriors get better

[@gabriel-ti4mq]

update?

[@thomastalented]

@gabriel-ti4mq GS didn't wanna lay the piper. PG wanted to gouge, LAC gouged and said you wanna go to GS they gotta pay the piper

[@AliFrankTheTank]

well he opted out … Us or Philly ..

[@JustDexMakingMusic]

Detailed information, we need more reporting like this

[@realdiallo224]

Good stuff Dima and Law!

[@Jclipcity96]

Clippers for life! Repping the name on the front not the back FOR LIFE

[@stevekay5824]

Clipps are clowns 🤡

[@matthewhenningervonada9914]

That's a lot of pain in one lifetime.

[@LockedOnClippers]

@@stevekay5824you’re a clown

[@sammyslam1]

I figured Russ would opt in. I wouldn't be surprised to see him packaged with PJ Tucker and traded but i think he stays with The Clippers and Bones is traded along with PJ Tucker...

[@reallynotmateo8805]

paul george doesn't have the guys to go to philly, he's a warrior, whatever we get back we need to salvage and try to get something back lol kawhi needs to be the 3 again, and we need a big man..jabari smith jr somehow someway

[@alexandervisscher7416]

It’s bitter sweet knowing pg is likely leaving. Like I know in general the duo hasn’t worked, and personally I only came to the clippers as a fan bc of pg. but all things considered I don’t feel like I’m done with the clippers. It just sucks bc I really wish it could’ve worked better then it has and I especially wish kawhi was more available in the playoffs

[@jonathanroque1985]

I appreciate the videos coming out cus u missed some thanks dude I watch every one I like Law on the podcast idk if regular but he should def be in like 25+ episodes if he is a regular tho not mad at it

[@LockedOnClippers]

Thanks man

[@vadablak3902]

Hey I started working at Intuit Dome on the 27th...looking forward to seeing u there...been ah Clippers fan since '84...looking forward to an interview and trust me yaw tha arena is SICK...PG would be stupid to leave and if he wants to fine, let him go...he should be in the weight room all summer building up his upper body strength so he can move people's around like Kawhi but he won't do it...

[@matthewhenningervonada9914]

You've been a fan since the curse. Arena is trash anyhow. Once they move, then it's elite.

[@eddiehoskins7482]

I came to the ROTTEN CLIPPERS ONLY FOR RUSSELL WESTBROOK, THIS IS MY LAST TIME ON THIS SITE... COME ON RUSS LET'S GOOOOO I'M LOCKED ON NUGGETS 😂😂😂😂😂

[@boriskan6453]

PG is on retirement mode and won’t be interested to move to the cold Philly. So the talks of him going there is more of a smokescreen to threaten for a longer deal. And even if he move to the dubs, I’d be really surprised if Joe lecob will be stupid enough to give him a 4 year max next season. And if he has to guts to prove himself next season for a longer deal, why not just opt into the deal next season and deliver one good year of performance with the clippers. He might get a three year max on the back of that. Knowing the laidback attitude of PG, he will very likely stay for 150M for 3 years. The only reason why PG moves is because Ballmer all of a sudden becomes smart and realise he’ll be better off flipping him for some young role players like kuminga and whatever he can trade from CP3 for some onerous contracts which the clippers are willing to absorb (J Poole?). But again, ballmer will never ever make sensable basketball decisions, as we’ve seen over the past 4 years.

[@andreslancheros2863]

Philly is super hesitant as well. They just have pressure because embiid is in his prime and has expressed potentially leaving if he’s not competing and maxey is about to resign. They need to be contenders and they aren’t but at the same time, Paul George is old and injury prone and they suffer from similar things as clippers. Specifically injuries and age. Doesn’t make sense for them to tie themselves into a bad contract in two years. If Philly doesn’t offer a max then PG would rather stay in LA. Plus think about it, they didn’t sign harden to the max bc of age, why would they sign Paul George to a deal they didn’t sign harden to when harden is a way better player? It is definitely a smokescreen

[@Stratos.2]

I'd be more excited about the team if we got Kuminga, etc.

[@RADIOACTIVEYOUTH]

PG needs to hurry up and opt in so we can send him to gst already

[@sammyslam1]

Harden back at $35 mil per for 2 seasons! Russ opted in at his $4 mil but i am hearing reports of The Clippers looking to trade him. This means they probably want Bones as the main backup. They did say they want to try to get younger. I'm thinking Phoenix, Denver, or Miami as possible trade partners for Russ. I think they would want to add PJ Tucker's $11 mil to that deal. Right now it is looking like Zu, Kawhi, Mann, and Harden as starters. If PG decides to leave who fills that other starting spot?

[@sammyslam1]

PG officially done as a Clipper! Just read a statement from the front office! Good luck PG!!

[@boriskan6453]

Great news to hear PG will sign a 4 year mix with the sixers. So the clips are now off the hook for this full time podcaster / part time retiring basketball player and his 220M retirement package. In case you don’t know why a franchise is a perennial failure, just look at the sixers, who have a habit of picking up unwanted garage sales products from the clips (Doc, and now PG). I am sure they will regret the decision by the end of this upcoming playoff What’s next is Washedbrook. Heard that the nuggets are interested after losing KCP for free. In case we got a SRP for this “work hard, high energy” player, that will be two crucial steps to bring the franchise back on track. Or if Podcast “recruit” him to the sixers, that’ll be even better. Derrick jones signed for 3 years. Not the kinda player that makes headlines. But we sorely need these players on the team.

[@oweng559]

Pg Signed 4 year deal 212 million for the sixers

[@AliFrankTheTank]

Well, Russ is back. PG better not choose philly or magic over us but get Klay and Vali if he does …

[@LouieTzepher]

I remember when it was myself and another dude telling every Clipper fan on Reddit, on any Clipper KZbin channel that Clips should trade George while they can; even said it on several videos on here for several seasons and I remember the consternation and laughs and smug replies, now look how it turned out. That man was never about winning, was always about the cash, which is fine, but a loser will always be a loser, now Clips out here with their junk in their hand after giving up the world for that bozo George. Anyway, looking forward to how this roster looks next season, still haven’t seen any power forwards added, and still waiting for a decent back up center now since Plum is heading to Arizona.

[@boriskan6453]

PG13 has now opted out of his contract. Contrary to a lot of the so-called “experts” telling all of you that it’s doom and gloom if Pg opts out for free, that’s NOT true. 1) if PG walks but harden signs for about 30m, the clippers are 20-30M below the first apron. This means that the clippers can use the non tax MLE on a new player (12-13M) plus the biannual exception (4-5m). Considering the LA location, I won’t be surprised if some meaningful players will join (Tobias?) At the same time, the clippers can take on big contracts for overpaid yet quality players (J Poole / Zachary lavine) so long as they ship out contracts that are within 10% difference of the contract value (Russ tucker or Powell). TBH, if you take a 3-4 year horizon, I’d take Poole / lavine contract plus an full MLE player and a biannual exception player over PG’s 50m annual contract any time any day. 2) if PG and harden walks away, the clippers have 20M in cap space plus a FULL MLE (10-15m) and a biannual exception player (4-5m). That could sign 3 very good players, considering the LA location. If KL wants out, that’s even better as the clips can land a young player plus one to two FRP. While the team will win less games under this setting, that’s a very good reset for the team to get back to dignity. There’s no point paying astronomical numbers to pay for players that are on retirement mode, which will only delay the inevitable rebuilding process.

[@sting114]

Paul George can always buy a mansion in the Bay Area and move his whole family there . When he retire , he can sell and move his whole family back to Palmdale

[@rusoestrada77]

right. PG up and leaving aint really an issue for him. clips will cling on to fun guy and keep dreaming that he becomes available to play in the post season before he eventually retires.

[@LorenzoC2314]

@@rusoestrada77and keeping Pg is just as much of a gamble considering he disappears all the time

[@thomastalented]

​@@LorenzoC2314ppl tend to IGNORE the disappearing acts 💯😉

[@Petergalvan]

PG is not going anywhere. He loves being in LA and knows working for Balmer is the best situation for an athlete.

[@darinhumbert2944]

Agree😅

[@ohhbee96]

Yea great situation for an athlete just ask Blake griffin @petergalvan

[@Petergalvan]

@ohhbee96 Not sure what you mean 🤔? Blake was traded for picks which we flipped for PG as I recall. It also free up cap space to get Kawhi which we were targeting.

[@matthewhenningervonada9914]

What? Explain now buddy.

[@Petergalvan]

@@matthewhenningervonada9914 He sold his soul to the Devil. Just shows these guys have no loyalty 😒

[@frankwhite3405]

PG staying down with the clippers watch

[@patrickoquinn6201]

Send PG to the Warriors already 🙄

[@andreslancheros2863]

If they can give kuminga or draymond somehow this would be incredible

[@SimmyStark]

Salute dime. Respect your basketball pov

[@LockedOnClippers]

Thanks brother

[@NoName-zm1ks]

I agree, PG wants to stay with Balmer cuz Balmer pays and pays and pays no matter what😂🤣😜

[@ohhbee96]

PG gone most likely to 76ers and lebron willing to take a pay cut to get harden from the clippers 😈 clippers down bad rn.

[@michaeltorres1654]

Clippers fan since 1986...how realistic is the DeMar DeRozan talk?

[@gabrielgonzales9590]

I’m hoping for Derozan👍

[@andreslancheros2863]

Pretty realistic he is from LA. How does this solve our size problem ? And our old af superstar problem

[@matthewhenningervonada9914]

That's a lot of heartbreak.

[@michaeltorres1654]

@@matthewhenningervonada9914 Yes. First game was at Sports Arena. Clippers with Benoit Benjamin, Larry Drew, Michael Cage & Darnell Valentine vs. Manute Bol's Washington Bullets. I honestly hate the fact that they are moving the team to Inglewood. Hope they can turn over a new leaf with PG-13 gone.

[@boriskan6453]

Russ opts in, as expected. That doesn’t mean L Frank has promised him a starting role. Rather it only means the other 29 teams in the league do not see any value in him, and opting in is the only way to keep himself in the league. But the contract exercise does NOT mean the clippers will have a role for him. How do I know that? It’s quite easy to understand: had it been the former scenario, Russ would have publicly announced his contract exercise in early June and tell everyone that he has “successfully negotiated with L Frank for an increased role in the team”. The fact that he doesn’t means it’s more likely the latter. He will likely be another PJ tucker, whose only connection to the league today is his nominal 4M contract. Expect him to play behind bones and Amir (or CP3 if the PG trade comes thru) next season. And do expect things to turn very very ugly between Russ and the clippers which will lead to a “mutual consent to part ways” by the all star break.

[@allydea]

He doesn't NEED to stay in the league in a role he's miserable with for 4 million a year. If it was 30 mil, sure, but not for 3 or 4. I don't understand why he opted in, but he could've easily retired and been better off if the Clippers are going to use him the same and no other team wanted him.

[@boriskan6453]

@@allydeaTotally agree. I’m sure L Frank hasn’t said anything like “don’t worry Russ. You will be a big part of our team next season.” Rather hell likely say something like “Russ, there are still quite a few moving parts (PG,salary cap, etc). So I can’t guarantee you anything on your role at this point in time. Just do whatever you think is best for you and will we see what happens.” From Russ perspective, while he cannot officially talk to the other 29 teams, he clearly hasn’t heard any “indications” from them on interest in him. To avoid the embarrassment of not having contract with any clubs, he opts in. Even if there are “interest” from another club (which I don’t see any), he can easily ask the clippers to trade him there given his small contract. And if Pg leaves and Ty Lue is stupid enough to give him a role on a pre-harden era, he can come back with those meaningless triple double stats at an even lower efficiency, including 25% 3p% and 4-5 TO per game.

[@thomastalented]

PG wants 900 shot attempts but dont want the responsibilities

[@Stratos.2]

He actually doesn't shoot enough, especially when Kawhi isn't playing.

[@thomastalented]

@Stratos.2 Agreed, that's part of the problem. He don't want the pressure if he missing em. Goes hand and hand

[@sammyslam1]

Great episode!! I think Russ will opt in. I think he wants to be with The Clippers organization. I think PG winds up back with The Clippers as well.

[@andreslancheros2863]

But do we want Russ back. I’ve grown to love him but here’s the unbiased truth. His only good playoff postseasons in his career were in 2011,2012, 2016, 2023. 3 of those were with Durant and the other were with kawhi and PG injured so he had little to no expectations. His standout game in 2023 was vs the suns when he went like 4-18 but his defense was incredible. That’s the CEILING. it is the best we will ever get from Russ. Great defense and on a good day, he will shoot 40-50% from the field. Is this a guy you want to have as your backup PG and a guy in a 6-7 man rotation deep in the playoffs ?

[@thomastalented]

PG laid tf down for 2 months this year. Its a ton i can say abojt this crybaby

[@andreslancheros2863]

He got exposed by DJJ and PJ Washington

[@thomastalented]

@@andreslancheros2863 BIG FACTS , and then had the audacity to ask for a man knowing Clippers was already in the 2nd Apron !!!!! F him

[@sagestation]

If Paul leaves and I’m Kawhi I’m demanding a trade. Makes no sense to play for a team that isn’t trying to win a championship now

[@andreslancheros2863]

He still has harden and they can get another star. I think it’s better to have size and depth instead of Paul George. I got a full season of seeing him as a the 3rd guy on a team and he looked fine but when he has to step up and be the 1 or even 2, it’s a disaster. There is no other way to put it and he has no excuses for it

[@sagestation]

@@andreslancheros2863 Kawhi has 3 years max left in career probably. Don’t waste it on a team that isn’t interested in competing for a ring. Demand out and get somewhere else to compete. PG shouldn’t be asked to be #1 guy and if you think James and Kawhi alone with role players are enough. Idk what to tell you

[@andreslancheros2863]

@@sagestation if James harden had a healthy kawhi instead of George in the playoffs he would have beat the Mavs. He almost did by himself but had no help aside from Terrence Mann in reality.

[@armstrongedo8505]

​@@andreslancheros2863thr James trade killed our depth and destroyed the chemistry the team built with Russ running the point

[@boriskan6453]

You got that all wrong. All of harden KL PG are on retirement mode. They don’t really care if they win or not.

[@marciaaaron6044]

Im done with this clippers team man we need a new style. Trade PG with Coffey, Russ and Kai jones to GSW to get Podzenski, Kuminga, Moody and looney. That plus bones is a excellent bench. And the starting lineup could be Gary Trent jr, Terence Mann, Kawhi, KATowns and Zubac . Harden, Powell and PJ Tucker for Towns, Minnesota needs offense.

[@marciaaaron6044]

Towns is really good defense can defend smaller and bigger than him. Gary Trent is good defense too and on offense he is good shooter good isolation. Like I think it’s better on both ends but defensively is wayyy better

[@thomastalented]

Get the turnover kings and choke artist outta here Told yall FO strong armed Westbrick benching. Why would he leave if it was idea ? Yall can't believe smoke screens and "professional talk" They benched that clown, for TMANN rightfully so 😉😎

[@dimedropperpod]

Man you kawhi Stan’s are tough to hear. Like wether or not your comment has some validity, the complete disregard for them as players and people just ain’t it for me

[@thomastalented]

@dimedropperpod man laid down 6 weeks with a fkn strain, KAT came back in 4 weeks with a surgery, then he gets locked up by a Derrick Jones🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️ Then he wants OVER GOUGE ????? Yeah good riddance

[@thomastalented]

And WB act like he never played bball before when it was needed in playoffs. Yeah good riddance, no time for childsplay

[@thomastalented]

Man really wants more yrs than Kawhi. Aka "more than Kawhi" , Kawhi already told them what it is & PG trying to out step his talent worth. As he did the last deal he got, he never been worth a SUPER MAX in the first place.

[@MarcoBrolo]

Get the load management king living off of 2019 outta here along with those goofies. Hes the biggest culprit for this shyt show.