Paul George’s Expected Free Agency Decision Could See Him Depart Clippers for 76ers
Paul George is expected to leave the Los Angeles Clippers and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers as free agency begins. According to reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, there is growing optimism that George will join the 76ers on a lucrative four-year max contract.
Paul George’s time with the Clippers, which began in 2019 after a blockbuster trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been marked by unmet expectations and playoff disappointments. The Clippers, who paired George with Kawhi Leonard in hopes of winning their first NBA championship, have managed only three playoff series victories in five seasons, with their last significant playoff success coming in 2021. George’s tenure has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, culminating in his decision to opt out of his contract and test free agency.
The 2019 trade that brought Paul George to the Clippers was initially seen as a fair deal, even though it involved a hefty price. The Clippers traded away Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a significant haul of future draft picks to the Thunder. In hindsight, the trade appears to have heavily favored Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed into a top-five player in the league, and the draft picks have positioned the Thunder as future contenders, while the Clippers’ championship aspirations have largely gone unfulfilled.
Contract negotiations between Paul George and the Clippers have reportedly stalled, with both sides unable to agree on terms. The Clippers have been unwilling to offer the four-year max contract that George, now 34, desires. In contrast, the Philadelphia 76ers are prepared to meet his demands, positioning them as the frontrunners to secure his services. The Orlando Magic, another team initially in the running, appear less likely to sign George after using a significant portion of their cap space on other players.
Should Paul George sign with the 76ers, the move would have significant implications for both teams. The 76ers, with stars Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, would form a formidable trio with George, enhancing their championship prospects. Philadelphia also has the financial flexibility to add another key player in free agency, further strengthening their roster.
For the Clippers, losing George would mark the end of a high-profile but ultimately unproductive era. The team would be left to reconsider its strategy and explore alternative options to remain competitive in a highly competitive Western Conference.
The Golden State Warriors were reportedly close to acquiring Paul George before he opted out of his contract. Negotiations included various trade configurations involving players like Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody. Despite the Warriors’ confidence and the willingness of their stars, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, to welcome George, the deal fell through. The Clippers were unwilling to facilitate the trade, preferring to take their chances in free agency.
The Clippers’ decision to hold firm on their contract offer to George and not engage in a sign-and-trade deal with the Warriors is a bold strategy. Should George sign with the 76ers or another team, the Clippers would receive nothing in return, a scenario that could invite significant criticism. The team’s reluctance to trade George to a division rival and their confidence in their ability to retain him could prove to be a costly gamble.