Paul George expressed nothing but loyalty to the Los Angeles Clippers, but is he on the verge of a change of scenery? According to league insider John Hollinger, a number of Eastern Conference teams are monitoring the situation with George, whose future is shrouded in doubt.
“Keep an eye on Paul George, by the way. Presumably, if there was a max extension sitting around for him, he would have signed it by now; I think it’s fair to say a couple of cap-room teams in the East are, um, ‘monitoring’ this.”
Next summer marks the end of a 4-year, $176 million contract with the LA Clippers but he could move it up a year if he opts out of his $48 million player option. This season, while both sides were said to be working on a max extension, negotiations never went far and now George’s future is completely up in the air.
The Los Angeles Clippers are on the short list of NBA title contenders this season, and Paul George is a big reason why. This season, through 61 games, George is averaging 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 46.3% shooting. His play over the past few months has helped elevate the Clippers to a top-four seed in the West and his continued excellence will make them a dangerous opponent in the postseason.
Even so, the future of the Clippers is mired in uncertainty right now and without Paul George, everything could fall apart. Up to 14 players on the roster can leave the franchise this summer, including James Harden who was just brought in this season.
If the team fails to make a significant run this spring, it could force the end of this Clippers squad as we know it. As a premier three-and-D wing still in his prime, Paul Geoge could be the first one to go if he decides that a return to his original team is more desirable than another season with the Clippers.
A Reunion With The Indiana Pacers Could Be In Play
After trading for Pascal Siakam this season, the Pacers took another step towards title contention. Now, with Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton in tow, the Pacers can get serious about making some noise in the East and competing against some of the upper-end playoff teams.
If they’re able to add Paul George in the summer, it could make Indiana among the favorites in the East, on par with teams like the Celtics and Bucks. George, a 13-year veteran, would provide what the Pacers need most: defense on the perimeter and a veteran to lead the way.
George was the face of Pacers basketball for over five years before his trade request forced their hand. According to George, the franchise wasn’t serious about winning at the time and he wanted to go to a team that was better-equipped to compete for a title.
Today, while the Pacers may not be on par with some other elite squads, they have enough talent to make an enticing pitch to anyone and we know that Tyrese Haliburton is doing everything he can to recruit more help to the roster.
Depending on what happens in Lod Angeles over the next few months, Paul George could be a realistic target for Indiana and he could be the final piece they need to make a Finals run in the near future.
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