COVID surge puts NBA season on the brink

Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers are in discussions on a contract extension.

The Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $152.4 million extension on Wednesday.

The Clippers would also like to sign George to a long-term contract. Leonard’s deal likely sets a floor for a new contract for George.

James Harden is not eligible to sign a new contract until the offseason.

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to make a decision on his next course of action with his left knee by the end of this week, sources tell Jake Fischer. Embiid has met with more than 10 doctors for counsel on how to deal with the ongoing discomfort and swelling in his knee. Embiid has already undergone multiple meniscus surgeries.

Embiid may not need to undergo a season-ending surgery at this time and continues to hope for a procedure that would allow him to return to his MVP form. But neither the Sixers’ own medial staff or external doctors have been able to identify a path for Embiid to get right.

If Embiid were to undergo a significant procedure, he not only would miss the remainder of the current season but could miss part of next season.

Further complicating the situation is that Embiid and the Sixers appear not to be fully on the same page. When ESPN’s Lisa Salters reported that Embiid told her he likely needs offseason surgery, sources say the news took the Sixers by surprise. The Sixers, however, continue to view Embiid as their franchise star. Embiid and the Sixers signed a three-year, $193 million extension in September that some around the league now believe to be untradeable.