Hawks Linked As Potential Paul George Trade Destination

With the NBA offseason fully underway and free agency set to begin in just over 24 hours, there are plenty of teams and players to keep a close eye on. One of those players is Paul George, who has been rumored to be available in trade talks in recent days. Could a team like the Atlanta Hawks make a big play to acquire George from the Los Angeles Clippers?

George has been one of the NBA’s elite stars for years now, but has struggled with injury issues. The Clippers in general have been plagued with major injury problems, especially in the playoffs. Both Kawhi Leonard and George have not been able to stay healthy, which has led to a major disappointment in L.A.

If the Clippers are actually open to moving George, a team like the Hawks would make perfect sense. He is still capable of taking a team over the top and into serious contention.

Bleacher Report recently linked the Hawks as a potential “surprise” trade destination for George.

“A deal centered on PG for Murray and De’Andre Hunter would give the Hawks a second star who might fit better with Young, while giving the Clippers a wing to replace a little bit of PG’s production and a better setup man for Kawhi Leonard.”

During the 2022-23 NBA season with the Clippers, George ended up playing in 56 games. He averaged 23.8 points per game to go along with 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.5 steals. In addition to those averages, George shot 45.7 percent from the floor and knocked down 37.1 percent of his three-point attempts.

At 33 years of age, George is in the final stages of his prime. Trading for him now would give the Hawks a couple of years left to compete in the Eastern Conference with George and Trae Young leading the way.

Expect to continue hearing rumors about Paul George as the offseason heats up. Other teams like the New York Knicks have also been linked to the star forward. The Hawks may not end up pursuing a trade for George, but it would certainly make sense.