While Paul George is leaving Clippers, James Harden decides to stick around | NBA free-agent rdp. [Video]

By Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press

Paul George is leaving the Los Angeles Clippers, his now-former team announced Sunday night, with all signs pointing to the nine-time All-Star perhaps returning to the Eastern Conference and joining the Philadelphia 76ers.

George could command more than $200 million over four years if his next contract is for max value.

“Paul has informed us that he is signing his next contract with another team,” the Clippers said in a release Sunday night.

The team added, “We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart. The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul’s decision to look elsewhere for his next contract.”

George had a $48.8 million option for this coming season but did not exercise it, entering free agency — which opened Sunday night — instead. It was believed there was a chance …