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Home > NBA Trade Rumors > New York Knicks Trade Rumors > 5 Best Free Agent Destinations For Paul George

5 Best Free Agent Destinations For Paul George

Paul George could leave the Clippers this summer to join one of his five major free-agent destinations.

Eddie Bitar
May 4, 2024
12 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

Paul George has suffered another postseason defeat with the Los Angeles Clippers, only having one Western Conference Finals appearance to show for his efforts. Despite making three All-Star Teams with one All-NBA Third Team Selection with the Clippers in five seasons, George has only played 263 total regular-season games and has two first-round exits.  

Contents
  • 1. Philadelphia 76ers
  • 2. New York Knicks
  • 3. Indiana Pacers
  • 4. Oklahoma City Thunder
  • 5. Orlando Magic

He has not benefitted from the constant injuries to Kawhi Leonard, a star who has only played 229 games in five seasons. It might be time for the Clippers to break up their core of Leonard and George, and the fact remains that George has a $48,787,676 player option that he won’t pick up in all likelihood because he will look for a long-term deal. This next contract will be his last max deal (34 years old), so here are the five major free-agent destinations for Paul George this summer.


1. Philadelphia 76ers

Paul George - Philadelphia 76ers

Core: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey

How Philadelphia Can Acquire Paul George: Free Agent Contract

The Philadelphia 76ers present an intriguing destination for Paul George in free agency, offering the opportunity to team up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form a formidable Big Three. With only Embiid (34.7 PPG, 11.0 RPG) and Maxey (likely re-sign on a max deal), the major players currently signed to contracts, the 76ers are in a prime position to pursue a third star to bolster their championship aspirations. George’s arrival could provide the missing piece for a team looking to bounce back from a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs against the New York Knicks in six games.

The synergy between George, Embiid, and Maxey could elevate the 76ers to new heights, with Embiid’s dominance in the paint complementing George’s scoring prowess and defensive skills. Additionally, Maxey’s emergence as an All-Star (25.9 PPG, 6.2 APG) adds depth and versatility to the lineup. Pairing George with Embiid, the best big man George has ever played alongside, could create a dynamic duo capable of challenging the Eastern Conference’s elite teams, including the Boston Celtics.

The 76ers have a ton of money to offer to George (up to $49 million per season) and could bring him on a three-year deal on max dollars if needed. The 76ers lost in the first round and the Clippers did as well, possibly making this a reunion that every party might need to accomplish their goals.


2. New York Knicks

paul george knicks

Core: Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby

How New York Can Acquire Paul George: Julius Randle (Sign-and-Trade), Bojan Bogdanovic, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 Second-Round Pick

Despite Julius Randle’s injury, the New York Knicks have managed to advance to the second round, showcasing their resilience and depth. However, to secure George, the Knicks may need to orchestrate some strategic moves, potentially parting ways with players like Bojan Bogdanovic and Randle in a sign-and-trade with the Clippers. Such a move could facilitate George’s arrival in New York, instantly bolstering their lineup with his scoring ability and defensive prowess.

Pairing George with star talents like Jalen Brunson (28.7 PPG, 6.7 APG) and OG Anunoby could elevate the Knicks to new heights, particularly as they seek to build on their postseason success. Brunson’s playmaking skills and Anunoby’s defensive versatility could complement George’s skill set, providing the Knicks with a potent trio capable of competing with the best in the Eastern Conference.

Additionally, the Knicks’ depth and versatility would allow them to adapt to various lineup configurations, particularly with players like Isaiah Hartenstein providing strong rebounding and Josh Hart excelling as a wing defender. This flexibility could enable the Knicks to play small-ball lineups as needed, adding another dimension to their already formidable roster.

Furthermore, if the Knicks decide to part ways with Randle, they could explore convincing George to accept his player option, facilitating a sign-and-trade that benefits both parties. Such a move would not only strengthen the Knicks’ roster but also potentially position them as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.


3. Indiana Pacers

Paul George - Indiana Pacers

Core: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner

How Indiana Can Acquire Paul George: Benedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick

Returning to the Indiana Pacers could represent a homecoming of sorts for Paul George, who initially put the franchise on the map during his tenure in the early 2010s. Reuniting with the Pacers would not only allow George to reconnect with the team and fan base but also provide him with the opportunity to play alongside a promising core featuring Tyrese Haliburton (20.1 PPG, 10.9 APG) and Pascal Siakam (21.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG). Haliburton’s playmaking ability and Siakam’s versatility would complement George’s skill set, creating a formidable trio capable of making waves in the Eastern Conference.

However, orchestrating a trade to bring George back to Indiana would require some creative maneuvering on the part of the Pacers. They would likely need to part ways with valuable assets like Aaron Nesmith and Bennedict Mathurin to match salaries and entice the Clippers into a sign-and-trade. Additionally, the Pacers could sweeten the deal by including future first-round draft picks.

While such a trade would undoubtedly reshape the Pacers’ roster, it could also position them as a force to be reckoned with in the East. The quartet of George, Haliburton, Siakam, and Turner would provide the Pacers with a potent combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess, covering both ends of the court effectively. 

With the right supporting cast and coaching with Rick Carlisle, the Pacers could emerge as contenders in the Eastern Conference, challenging established powerhouses like the Boston Celtics for supremacy. For George, a return to Indiana would not only offer the chance to compete at a high level but also to potentially write a new chapter in his storied career with the team that launched his NBA journey.


4. Oklahoma City Thunder

Paul George - Thunder

Core: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Josh Giddey

How Oklahoma City Can Acquire Paul George: Free Agent Contract

Teaming up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.1 PPG), Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey would create a dynamic and versatile core capable of competing at the highest level in the NBA. Gilgeous-Alexander’s emergence as an MVP candidate has solidified his status as one of the league’s premier talents, while Holmgren’s rapid development suggests he is on the cusp of All-Star recognition.

Adding George to this mix would provide the Thunder with a proven veteran presence and a perennial All-Star performer, rounding out their roster with a potent combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess. Josh Giddey’s playmaking ability and basketball IQ would further enhance the Thunder’s offensive arsenal, creating additional scoring opportunities for George and his teammates.

With George’s experience and leadership, he could serve as a mentor to the young core, helping guide them through the rigors of the NBA season and playoffs. However, facilitating George’s return to Oklahoma City would require the Thunder to clear significant cap space since they have approximately $35 million in projected cap space. Trading away valuable assets like Luguentz Dort, while painful given his contributions to the team, may be necessary to open up cap space for George’s contract.

George’s previous positive experiences with the Thunder and his desire to compete for a championship could serve as motivating factors for a potential return. The opportunity to reunite with familiar faces and compete for a title in Oklahoma City may outweigh other free agency destinations for George, making a return to the Thunder his best shot at achieving postseason success.


5. Orlando Magic

Paul George - Magic

Core: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner

How Orlando Can Acquire Paul George: Free Agent Contract

Paul George’s potential addition to the Orlando Magic could significantly bolster their roster and elevate their status as a true contender in the NBA instead of surprising people in the East. Pairing George with Paolo Banchero (22.6 PPG) and Franz Wagner would create a dynamic trio capable of reshaping the Magic’s offensive identity and propelling them to new heights.

Banchero, an All-Star with a versatile skill set, would benefit immensely from playing alongside George. As a dominant scorer and playmaker, George’s presence would alleviate some of the offensive burden on Banchero, allowing him to develop his game more organically without shouldering excessive responsibility. Banchero’s ability to create mismatches with his size and agility would complement George’s scoring prowess and playmaking instincts, creating a potent inside-outside threat for the Magic.

Similarly, George’s arrival would further enhance Franz Wagner’s emergence as a promising young talent. Wagner’s defensive versatility and high basketball IQ make him an ideal complement to George’s skill set. With George commanding attention from opposing defenses, Wagner could capitalize on open looks and cutting opportunities, maximizing his impact on both ends of the floor.

Furthermore, George’s veteran leadership and playoff experience would be invaluable for a young team like the Magic. For the Magic to be able to acquire George, they will need to reject team options for Joe Ingles and Mo Wagner while choosing not to guarantee $17 million to Jonathan Isaac since the forward has only played 205 games since 2018. 

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TAGGED:Indiana Pacers ArchiveNew York Knicks ArchiveOrlando Magic ArchivePaul GeorgePhiladelphia 76ers Archive
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ByEddie Bitar
Eddie Bitar is a senior staff writer for Fadeaway World from Denver, Colorado. Since joining the team in 2017, Eddie has applied his academic background in economics and finance to enhance his sports journalism. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree from and later a Master's degree in Finance from Utrecht in 2018, he integrates statistical analysis into his articles. This unique approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of basketball through the lens of financial and economic concepts.Eddie's work has not only been a staple at Fadeaway World but has also been featured in prominent publications such as Sports Illustrated. His ability to break down complex data and present it in an accessible way creates an engaging and informative way to visualize both individual and team statistics. From finding the top 3 point shooters of every NBA franchise to ranking players by cost per point, Eddie is constantly finding new angles to use historical data that other NBA analysts may be overlooking.A lifelong basketball fan, Eddie grew up trying to mimic Jason Kidd's game. When asked which NBA player, past or present, he would most like to interview, Eddie's choice is clear: Jason Kidd. He admires Kidd's genius at playing point guard and his ability to lead a team to two NBA Finals appearances. Eddie believes Kidd is an underrated star who deserves more praise, and he would relish the opportunity to pick his brain and discuss the intricacies of the game.
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