Report: Paul George, Clippers Held Extensive Contract Talks amid 76ers, Magic Rumors

The Los Angeles Clippers have held "extensive discussions" with Paul George ahead of the star forward potentially declining his player option and hitting free agency, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick and Law Murray.

Amick and Murray also reported the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic could pursue George should he opt out.

Re-signing George must be a priority for the Clippers given their salary cap situation. They're on track to have a $169 million payroll for 2024-25, which doesn't account for re-signing James Harden. That figure also includes George's $48.8 million player option, which is lower than the annual salary he'd receive on a full max (four years, $220 million).

Were the 34-year-old to depart as a free agent, the Clippers wouldn't have the money or the trade assets necessary to get an adequate replacement.

The absence of a long-term agreement is telling, though. It would seemingly reflect George's desire to get as much cash as possible and Los Angeles' reticence in doing so to date.

Contrast his situation with that of Kawhi Leonard, who penned a three-year, $153 million contract in January.

George averaged 22.6 points this year and set career highs in field-goal percentage (47.1) and three-point percentage (41.3). His 74 appearances were also his most since 2018-19.

Still, the Clippers could have some reservations about signing him to the max when injuries have been a persistent theme across his tenure. This was the first time in his five-year run he logged 60-plus appearances.

The more restrictive collective bargaining agreement also means teams broadly may not be so quick to table a max contract as they once were. Saving a few million dollars a season could go a long way toward staying out of the first or second salary apron.

All things considered, you'd expect George to return to Southern California. But he certainly has some leverage to make the Clippers sweat a bit.