The Los Angeles Clippers went into win-now mode in the wild summer of 2019 when they traded a king’s ransom, including future NBA MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to acquire Paul George. A move that worked two-fold in acquiring the services of Kawhi Leonard, the results have been a disappointment. While the team did reach its first-ever Conference Finals in 2021, the expectations of a dynastic run have largely not come to fruition.
5 years into the experiment, a breakup seems inevitable. The team failed to get past the first round despite acquiring two former MVPs, James Harden and Russell Westbrook. With the luxury tax piling up, owner Steve Balmer isn’t ready to offer George a long-term extension. Cue: the trade rumors.
Realistic Potential Paul George Landing Spots
After signing Kawhi Leonard to a 3-year supermax extension and James Harden’s deal pending, it looks like Paul George might be the odd one out.
At 34, Brandon Miller’s G.O.A.T. is getting up there in age. But, given his elite 3-point shooting (career 38% on a shade under 7 attempts a game) and All-Defensive team caliber defense, George remains a proven, valuable, and highly sought-after commodity.
With a 2-team race all but set in stone, what cases do each present for the veteran?
Golden State Warriors: Contrary to what Stephen A. Smith would have you believe, an elite marksman like PG13 would slot in seamlessly with the Warriors. Consider the Championship teams from the dynasty; each team had some form of a Paul George hybrid.
Whether it was Andre Iguodala or Andrew Wiggins in 2015 and 2022, respectively, or the Kevin Durant years, a 3-and-D wing who could work in isolation was the perfect fit alongside the legendary Stephen Curry-Klay Thompson-Draymond Green trio. With PG working as a souped-up version of the former 2 wings, the dynasty might have one last hurrah in them.
MORE NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Massive Details On Paul George’s Contract Talks, Trade Market
Philadelphia 76ers: Even Joel Embiid agrees on this one. The situation looked like a done deal after his side-eyeing during the NBA Finals. But Paul’s hesitance might be a wrinkle for GM Daryl Morey to solve. Philly’s situation is ideal as one of the only contending teams with enough cap space to offer George the max. With the need for a wing, the 9-time All-Star fits in perfectly and could justify The Process. The former MVP candidate might be the perfect fit alongside Tyrese Maxey and a resurgent Kelly Oubre Jr..
Challenges Clippers Face to Keep George
After coming to a rebranding, including constructing a $2 billion arena, the Los Angeles Clippers are in for a major overhaul. Given the exorbitant cost of the players, some cuts were inevitable.
But with a Kawhi Leonard extension done and dusted and no real hardware to show for it, Balmer might be forced to bite the bullet with George. The other option remains to extend both PG and The Beard and hope for a different result.
MORE NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Massive Details On Paul George’s Contract Talks, Trade Market
Instead, a quickfire rebuild by trading one or both of their stars, a.k.a. the Brooklyn Nets, might be their best bet. Which direction do you think the Clippers should head towards? Let us know in the comments below.
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