The ideal Paul George trade for both the Clippers and Warriors

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, "If Paul George is willing to leave [the Los Angeles Clippers], they (Golden State Warriors) would like to be an option for him." 

Windhorst additionally hears that the Warriors would be interested in acquiring George through an opt-in and trade.

If this were to happen, here is an ideal trade package for the Clippers and Warriors: 

Clippers receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Chris Paul, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney and a 2025 unprotected first-round pick

The Clippers land the Warriors' most prized prospect in Kuminga while reuniting with their franchise legend in Paul, whom they had already considered bringing back, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

Acquiring Kuminga would give the Clippers a dynamic, young wing who is ready to contribute now (16.1 PPG) and could serve as a valuable trade asset in future moves. In Paul, Los Angeles would land a pure point guard who can set the table for Kawhi Leonard and company (6.8 APG) while providing spacing (37.1% from three this past season). 

The Clippers would also strengthen their perimeter defense with Payton II (5.5 PPG) while acquiring a playoff-tested big man in Looney (4.5 PPG and 5.7 RPG). And if the partnership between the Warriors and George doesn't pan out, Los Angeles would hold a high first-round pick for next summer's draft. 

Trading George also grants the Clippers future cap flexibility to acquire other stars, with Paul's $30 million contract set to expire at season's end.  

Warriors receive: Paul George

While letting Kuminga go would sting, Golden State would secure the second option it has sought in George (22.6 PPG), who provides elite shooting (41.3% from three this past season) and solid defense. 

George's age might be a red flag (34 years old), but he has shown he can be still be a durable player, taking the court for 74 games this past regular season, his most since the 2018-2019 campaign. 

Though George's ability to shoulder some of Stephen Curry's offensive burden would be crucial, George's fit with the Warriors on the defensive end warrants more consideration. The Fresno State product isn't the defender he once was, but pairing him with Andrew Wiggins to cover perimeter assignments could serve as one of the most formidable defensive wing duos in the NBA.