Paul George wanted to sign a max contract extension before the 2013-14 season began, and though it appeared imminent, he and the Indiana Pacers are still negotiating the terms of the deal, according to Scott Agness of Pacers.com.
Paul George extension not done yet, Larry Bird says
The Indiana Pacers and swingman Paul George have not come to an agreement on the size of a contract extension.
USA TODAY Sports
Pacers president Larry Bird told Agness that the team and George are still discussing the numbers of what was on Sunday reported to be a deal of five years and upwards of $90 million.
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George, who is just 23 years old, could be eligible to earn 30 percent of the team's salary cap rather than the usual maximum of 25 percent if he qualifies for what is known as the "Derrick Rose Rule." To qualify, a player must be named MVP, earn All-NBA status twice or be voted as an All-Star starter twice. George, the reigning Most Improved Player, must make an All-NBA Team or win MVP in 2013-14 after making All-NBA Third Team last season. He is currently the only player in the NBA who is eligible for such a contract extension.
The Pacers could be against giving George the 30 percent salary, or they simply could be negotiating bonuses, options and other smaller details.
Last season, George averaged 17.4 points, 4.1 assists and 7.6 rebounds for an Indiana team that took another step forward in pushing the Miami Heat to the brink in the Eastern Conference Finals.
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