Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Clippers rumored to break up superstar duo near NBA Draft

By Joaquin Ruiz | Last updated 6/21/23

Late Tuesday night, NBA analyst Marc Stein shared news of the L.A. Clippers shopping around superstar Paul George ahead of Thursday's NBA Draft.

Clippers are gauging Paul George's trade value and are "giving real consideration to the idea of disassembling the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George tandem," per @TheSteinLine pic.twitter.com/UJk4t3VeJY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 21, 2023

The dealing of George would mark the end of the "213" era for the Clippers, which has only seen one Western Conference Finals appearance in four injury-riddled seasons. George has averaged 23.2 points, 4.9 assists and 6.3 rebounds in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles would be motivated to trade George due to his age and proneness to injury. The eight-time All-Star missed the Clippers' 2023 postseason with a freak right leg injury and turns 34 next year.

If George is moved, a likely destination is Portland. The Blazers have been linked to trades for a second superstar to pair with Damian Lillard, and they have the third pick in Thursday's draft, Anfernee Simons and more to offer.

Lillard has reportedly been uninterested in playing beside younger players and understands his competitive window in Portland is shrinking, so he'll likely support a play for George.

“Dame has made it clear that he wants to compete for a championship and he wants to continue and he wants a roster that can get him there. He wants that now, he does not want to wait, he does not want to go to a rebuild, doesn’t want to continue to play with younger guys to help… pic.twitter.com/Kab3Y0GMul
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 20, 2023

George is arguably the face of the Clippers (and podcasting), meaning a trade alters the landscape of the NBA.

Considering the Clippers' Intuit Dome opens for business in 2024, Lawrence Frank and the rest of the team's management must be sure that Los Angeles will remain a title contender for years to come, granted they move on from Kawhi Leonard's co-star.

Although NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama is the talk of the NBA Draft, the Clippers could steal the spotlight very soon.

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