Paul George hasn’t done himself any favors over the past two years. Despite being named a multiple-time All-Star, PG13 has been largely inconsistent, especially in the postseason.
His latest stint in LA ended in heartbreaking fashion, and he was the source of much of the blame from the NBA community.
Entering a critical offseason, the Clippers will have to decide who they want to let go — and that could include George.
Fortunately, the market is still quite expansive for the LA swingman, and the Clippers shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right deal for him.
In one proposed three-team trade scenario by NBA Analysis Network, PG gets sent to the Warriors for a package of Chris Paul, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and a 2022 first-rounder. The Thunder would receive Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, a 2021 first-round selection, and a 2020 second-rounder.
After just one season with the Clippers, there are hard feelings. George would form another big three in Golden State in hopes of continuing the dynasty.
Andrew Wiggins is going to be a trade piece this offseason. Along with the second overall pick, the Warriors should be able to land a big name player or a big return of pieces for the upcoming season.
While the Warriors would once again get the pleasure of forming a powerful superteam, the Clippers get a guy in Chris Paul who could be the one they need to put them over the top.
The Clippers brought Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to town in hopes of winning a championship. That failed in year one. In 2020-2021, if they kept the band together, the Clippers would be contenders once again. They did have one glaring need at the point guard position.
In this deal, a Chris Paul reunion in LA would happen and that is extremely intriguing with Leonard. The Clippers would also land the No. 2 pick to add an elite prospect but Paul is the short term answer the team needs. Leonard is the cornerstone piece on this team and Paul is a future Hall of Famer who knows how to be the floor general.
In OKC, they get some young players and picks to continue their rebuild.
The return will not be huge because of the money that Paul is owed. It is upwards of $41 million next season and $44 million in 2021-2022. Oklahoma City would land Wiggins, who has been looking for a steady home since he entered the league.
Looney is a nice young player along with two draft picks. The Thunder are loaded with draft capital over the next few years and this would give them some more. The rebuild should be based through the draft and if Wiggins can perform consistently.
So — the Clippers, Warriors, and Warriors each get assets and players that can help their current situation.
Chris Paul returning to the Clippers would be a welcome sight, and his identity as a floor general and playmaker might prove to be a better fit with Kawhi Leonard.
Andrew Wiggins still has star potential, and will only improve their future outlook moving forward. With Shai, Adams, and a huge stockpile of draft picks, the Thunder are in for a long and successful rebuild operation.
Of course, in Golden State, Paul George would add potency to an already lethal roster. The combined powers of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Paul George would be pretty hard for anyone to stop.
But whether or not this Cinderalla deal is closer to reality or fantasy remains to be seen. It will be a bust and fast-moving offseason, to say the least.
