According to NBA insiders Sam Amick and Law Murray of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Clippers discussed Paul George trade scenarios at the February trade deadline.
George can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2024-25 player option worth $48.8 million.
The Clippers have until June 30 to sign George to an extension. They signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $149 million extension in January.
“Only George knows how he truly sees his situation, but it’s worth remembering that the Clippers are known to have shown a willingness to discuss him in a select few trade scenarios heading into the February deadline,” Amick and Murray wrote. “The internal calculus was different back then, of course, with the absence of a new deal with George leaving the Clippers concerned that they might ultimately lose him for nothing in return in free agency.”
George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Clippers this season while shooting 47.1% from the field, 41.3% from beyond the arc and 90.7% from the free-throw line.
The Clippers lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in six games.
According to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic are “paying very close attention” to George‘s situation with the Clippers. George is widely expected to decline his 2024-25 player option.
“There’s two teams that are paying very close attention to Paul George: the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers,” Shelburne said on the Hoop Collective podcast. “Because both of them have the money to throw at him and have a need for a wing just like him, a veteran guy. Every time I watch the Sixers, I’m like, ‘Oh, they could use Paul George.’”
One of the best players in the NBA, George has career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Clippers. He was born and raised in Palmdale, California.
More must-reads: