Paul George made the big decision to hit the market as an unrestricted free agent by opting out of his $48.8 million player option, and it appears teams have already lined up for his services. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, George plans on speaking with the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic once the free agency period commences.
“Paul George plans to speak with the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic starting late Sunday night pacific time after free agency opens, sources tell The Athletic and Stadium.”
George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in the 2023-24 campaign for the Clippers and it’s not surprising that he is man in demand. The 34-year-old can into any system thanks to his defense and the ability to shine both on and off the ball on offense.
George reportedly hit the market because the Clippers were unwilling to give him the four-year, $221 million deal he desired. They were looking at a deal in the ballpark of what Kawhi Leonard agreed to, which was three years, $153 million.
Considering George’s age and injury history, you’d understand why the Clippers don’t want to add an additional year, but they might have to in this meeting if they want him back. While they have shown an unwillingness to give him that fourth year, the two other teams apparently would be willing to give him a four-year, $212 million deal, and for good reason.
I think George would be a great fit alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. He is the kind of wing that the 76ers need and they are very much in win-now mode. George would make them serious title contenders and they wouldn’t mind giving him that additional year for that. He’d be a great complementary scorer next to Embiid and can even carry the load if the big man finds himself on the sidelines.
As for the Magic, George would be an excellent addition to their roster as well. They are a great defensive team that is in desperate need of some firepower on offense. George would provide the Magic with just that and would form quite a duo with Paolo Banchero.
It will be very interesting to see how this situation pans out as George’s decision almost certainly will have a big impact on the NBA in the 2024-25 season and beyond. I think the likeliest outcome is that he goes back to the Clippers, as his willingness to meet with the team shows he still has an interest in re-signing.
It is just a matter of the team giving George that fourth year and I think they ultimately will. Extending Leonard means the Clippers are still very much in win-now mode but if they lose his co-star, they can kiss their chances of winning a title goodbye.
Had the Clippers not agreed to that new deal with Leonard it would have made sense to consider a rebuild, but not in this situation. Also, the team will be playing at their brand-new stadium, the Intuit Dome, from next season, and owner Steve Ballmer would want to put out the best show possible to draw in all the fans.
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