Paul George Trade Rumors: Clippers Were Willing to Discuss Star in February
May 4, 2024
The Los Angeles Clippers reportedly were open to trade discussions surrounding star Paul George this season, per The Athletic's Sam Amick and Law Murray.
"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."
Los Angeles held on to George for the remainder of the year, but now he has a player option for the 2024-25 season that he could exercise to become a free agent.
Should George choose to remain with Los Angeles, he would get a base salary of $48.8 million next season. While the financials of his contract make staying with the Clippers enticing, the 34-year-old could choose to sign at a lower figure for a team that could help him reach his first NBA Finals.
This season, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
While the veteran posted another commendable regular season, his inconsistency was a driving factor in the Clippers' early playoff exit. He put up 19.5 points per game in the first round against the Dallas Mavericks but had a seven-point performance in a loss in Game 3 and shot 33.3 percent from the field in Friday's Game 6 that ended in the series.
George's performance could make it difficult for him to receive a max-salary deal in free agency, but that might be something he's willing to accept to be in a position where he can win a ring.
The Clippers face an offseason of uncertainty after a disappointing playoff performance. They will retain Kawhi Leonard, who signed a three-year extension in January, but George can become a free agent, and James Harden is set to hit the free agent market with his contract expiring.
On Friday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Los Angeles' priority this offseason is retaining George and Harden.
"The Clippers have been without All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard for most of the series with right knee inflammation, but the organization's goal remains to re-sign free agents Paul George and James Harden alongside of Leonard, sources said," Wojnarowski wrote.
The trio of Leonard, George and Harden didn't get to see much playoff time together with Leonard playing just two games, but of the Clippers can retain the group they could find more success next year.