Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, league insider Chris Haynes opened up about Paul George’s impending free agency. As he described it, George’s decision could have major implications on the rest of the league and it will have a ripple effect on every other move this summer.
“We have to see what’s gonna happen with Paul George,” said Haynes. “Is he going to sign that extension with the Clippers? If not, you have to think Philly will be in play, Orlando possibly. But that’s a big domino right there. I remember when Kawhi signed his extension it was mid-way through the season and it was a surprise to everybody. The thinking was that Paul George would be quick, but it hasn’t happened. The Clippers are going into that new arena next season, they want to have a championship-caliber team in place and Paul George is a big piece of that. So, it could be a big domino effect depending on what Paul George decides to do.”
“It could be a big domino effect depending on what Paul George decides to do”
Chris Haynes detailed the ramifications of Paul George’s decision this summer as the off-season officially gets underway pic.twitter.com/Nj373kV3DT
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) June 23, 2024
As a 9x All-Star, 6x All-NBA player, and 4x All-Defensive player, Paul George could become the biggest free agent on the market this summer. With a $48.7 million player option for next season, George only has days to decide if he wants to opt in or join the NBA free agent market but nobody is sure what he plans to do.
With contract extension talks failing, it’s looking increasingly likely that George will refuse his player option and test his value on the open market. At 34 years old, George is looking for one last long-term deal to carry him to the end of his prime and it seems he’s willing to leave the Clippers in order to make it happen.
Just after years ago, George forced his way out of the thunder to team up with Kawhi Leonard and join the Clippers but things haven’t gonna according to plan for the veteran swingman. Due to poor health and other factors, the Clippers have rarely gotten a fair shake at the championship and the few times that they have been healthy enough to make things interesting, it always ends in defeat.
If he stays with the Clippers, whether by opting in or signing a fresh new deal in freer agency, it will keep them among the Western elites for the foreseeable future. But with several teams on his tail (including the 76ers), he may be swayed to try something new.
Whatever team ends up with George will be much better for it and it has the potential to shake up the hierarchy in a major way. As a premier two-way wing with years of experience, George can be the missing piece for various competitive teams.
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