Los Angeles Clippers Extend Coach Tyronn Lue’s Contract for Five Years at $70 Million

In a move signaling long-term commitment, the Los Angeles Clippers have secured head coach Tyronn Lue with a significant contract extension. The deal, reportedly worth $70 million over five seasons, was confirmed by the team on Wednesday. Sources close to the negotiation revealed the terms to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

At 47 years old, Lue was poised to enter free agency after the 2024-25 NBA season. However, with this extension, he now stands as one of the highest-paid head coaches in the league. Earlier speculations linked Lue to the vacant head coaching position with the Los Angeles Lakers following Darvin Ham’s departure.

Had Lue accepted the Lakers’ offer, he would have reunited with former Cavaliers teammate LeBron James. Together, they clinched the NBA championship in 2016 under the Cleveland Cavaliers banner.

Lue’s tenure with the Clippers coincides with their transition to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, for the upcoming season.

Looking ahead, the Clippers face potential roster adjustments as star players James Harden and Paul George approach free agency this summer. George holds a $48.7-million player option, which could prompt his departure. The Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as contenders for the 34-year-old forward if he opts to leave Los Angeles.

During his four-year stint with the Clippers, Lue has accumulated a commendable record of 184 wins and 134 losses, ranking sixth-best in the league over that period. The team has secured playoff berths in three of the four seasons under Lue’s guidance, reaching the Western Conference finals in 2021.

Despite a solid 51-31 record last season, positioning them fourth in the Western Conference, the Clippers faced an early exit from the playoffs, falling to the Dallas Mavericks in six games during the first round.