"Ain’t no bad blood" - Paul George opens up on relationship with James Harden post Clippers-76ers trade

Paul George left the LA Clippers to join the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2024 NBA offseason. After five years in LA, he made a surprising decision to team up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

A lot was said about his situation, including speculation about his relationship with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, two players the Clippers brought in before George. Speaking to reporters after the 76ers' 110-98 loss to the Clippers on Wednesday, George made it clear that he doesn't hold any grudge against his former teammates.

“Ain’t no bad blood," George said, via Tomer Azarly. "I talked to these guys throughout the whole process. James [Harden], Kawhi [Leonard], Russell [Westbrook] was informed with what I was doing. At the end of the day, regardless of if we’re teammates or not, those are lifelong bonds that you build. Whatever happens in basketball doesn’t affect that relationship."

George landed with the Clippers after a blockbuster deal with the OKC Thunder in 2019. He and Leonard tried to win a title but failed to advance to the NBA finals.

Their best chance was during the 2021 NBA playoffs. George and the Clippers went all the way to the Western Conference finals and helped the Clippers win two games against the eventual NBA finals runners-up, Phoenix Suns.

After that, they struggled and the core was split after five years together.

George played 263 games with the Clippers. He averaged 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, shooting 45.5% from the field and 39.7% from beyond the arc.

How did Paul George fare against the Clippers?

After returning from a knee injury, Wednesday night's game was only the second time Paul George has played this season. Although the Clippers won, the veteran swingman had a solid game. He finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes of action.

George was tied with Kelly Oubre Jr. as the 76ers' top scorer, while Tyrese Maxey scored 12 points in 32 minutes.

His career has taken a new direction after joining the 76ers, but the team hasn't had the best start, with only a 1-6 record so far. Joel Embiid is on a three-game suspension and has yet to play this season.