When the Clippers brought Kawhi Leonard and Paul George together, the hope was the two-way forwards would turn Los Angeles into a perennial contender.
Early during their time together, it looked like that was possible. The Clippers made the Western Conference Finals in their second year as teammates and appeared to have a bright future.
Since then, the Clippers have only made the playoffs twice in three years and haven’t made it out of the first round.
Now, the two parties are facing a reckoning. Will the Clippers bring back Paul George in the final year of his four-year, $176.3 million contract, or will they let him go elsewhere and try to retool around Leonard?
George has a $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 NBA season, so Los Angeles will only partly be in control of his future. The 34-year-old veteran could return to the team, opt for free agency, or force a sign-and-trade by opting into his contract and demanding a trade.
Which path will it be for George and the Clippers? Here’s the latest to know about the veteran star’s future in Los Angeles and which teams may be interested in acquiring him.
NOH: Predicting where Paul George, other NBA stars will end up in free agency
Paul George trade rumors tracker
George signs four-year max deal with 76ers
Date: July 1
Source: Adrian Wojnarowski
George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers, according to Wojnarowski. The two parties had been linked for a while now, and the deal is finally complete on July 1.
George returns to the Eastern Conference where he spent seven seasons with the Indiana Pacers. The 34-year-old joins Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey on a title-contending team in Philadelphia.
Clippers confirm Paul George is signing elsewhere
Date: June 30
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
The Clippers confirmed that George will be leaving in free agency and signing elsewhere. Los Angeles attempted to re-sign George but there was too big of a gap.
“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 Clippers stated. “The gap was significant.”
Clippers’ statement on Paul George parting ways following a significant gap in contract talks, exploring an opt-in and trade scenario and excitement about new opportunities and greater flexibility under new CBA to field a “highly competitive team” moving forward: pic.twitter.com/Uajbail3Hk
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) July 1, 2024
George’s new home hasn’t been reported yet, but he’s been linked to the 76ers.
‘Growing optimism’ that Paul George lands in Philadelphia
Date: June 30
Source: Chris Haynes, Bleacher Report
George has been linked to the 76ers for a while now and that idea is starting to heat up as the free agency period is beginning. Chris Haynes reported that there’s “growing optimism” that the 76ers will sign George.
George declined his player option to become an unrestricted free agent, likely ending his tenure with the Clippers.
Clippers Remain Hopeful About Keeping Paul George
Date: June 27
Source: Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations
Despite not offering Paul George a max deal that other teams are willing to provide, the Clippers are optimistic about retaining him for the upcoming season. Lawrence Frank, the president of basketball operations, expressed the team’s desire to keep George during a recent news conference following the NBA Draft.
“We truly want Paul to stay with us, but we understand that basketball is a business,” Frank stated, as reported by ESPN. “While we hope that Paul chooses to continue with the Clippers, we also respect his right to explore other options. He has been an outstanding player for us, showcasing his talent as an All-Star and one of the top two-way players in the league. His character and family values are commendable, so we hope for the best outcome while acknowledging his autonomy in making a decision.”
Frank also highlighted the geographical advantage of Los Angeles, emphasizing its proximity to George’s family as a potential factor in his decision to extend his contract with the team.
DeMar DeRozan Could Be Targeted as Paul George Replacement by Clippers
Date: June 26
Source: K.C. Johnson, NBC Sports Chicago
If Paul George opts to leave the Clippers, DeMar DeRozan could emerge as a potential replacement, according to reports from K.C. Johnson. DeRozan, who hails from Compton, California, might consider a return to his hometown by joining the Clippers as a free agent. The seasoned 34-year-old guard could offer a reliable alternative to George should the team need to fill his position.
Warriors Contemplate Offering Paul George a Max Contract Via Sign-and-Trade
Date: June 26
Source: Brian Windhorst, ESPN
Amid uncertainties surrounding Paul George’s contract negotiations with the Clippers, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring George through a sign-and-trade deal. While the Clippers have been hesitant to offer George a full-max contract extension, several teams, including the Warriors, are willing to provide him with a lucrative deal. The Warriors are actively engaging in trade talks, with Andrew Wiggins being a potential asset in a sign-and-trade scenario to bring George to the Bay Area.
Paul George’s Preference for West Coast Teams Could Impact Potential Suitors
Date: June 26
Source: Brian Windhorst, ESPN
Despite interest from teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Paul George’s inclination towards staying on the West Coast may hinder his willingness to entertain offers from other regions. As a California native with strong ties to the area, George’s desire to remain closer to home could influence his decision-making process and limit the scope of trade opportunities for the Clippers.
Rumors Suggest Paul George Might Opt for Player Option to Facilitate Trade
Date: June 24
Source: Mark Stein
Speculation is rife that Paul George could exercise his player option for the upcoming season, potentially paving the way for a trade away from the Clippers. While George’s decision to pick up the option does not guarantee his retention with the team, NBA insiders suggest that he might leverage this move to force a trade, sparking interest from various teams in acquiring the All-Star forward.
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