If almost all eyes are on the NBA Draft this Wednesday, let’s not forget that Free Agency is also fast approaching (June 30). Among the big files to follow during the 2024 offseason: Paul George. The Clippers star has still not extended his contract in Los Angeles and the rumors surrounding a potential departure are growing more and more. We take stock of his situation.
All-Star for the ninth time in his career in 2024, Paul George remains one of the best wingers in the NBA. He seems – at 34 years old – to still be able to contribute at a high level on both ends of the floor to help a team compete for the title. It remains to be seen whether it will be in Los Angeles or elsewhere.
Paul George, reminder of his contractual situation
In December 2020, Paul George signed a 4-year, $176 million contract extension, with a player option for the final year in 2024-25. That means PG-13 can become a free agent as soon as this summer. Indeed, if he decides to activate his player option, he will find himself on the market and will have the opportunity to sign with a franchise other than the Clippers. He can also extend for one year and $48.7 million to the Clippers through this same player option.
It’s been a year since Paul George was eligible for a 4-year, $221 million contract extension with the Clippers. But the Los Angeles franchise, which extended Kawhi Leonard for 3 years and 150 million last January, does not seem ready to offer such a jackpot to George. With PG’s already high age and injury history, the Los Angeles franchise would like to keep George at a price close to that of Kawhi. Problem: Playoffs P believes he deserves a max contract. The two camps are therefore not on the same wavelength.
Paul George and the Clippers are reportedly “not on the same page” in contract negotiations, per @WindhorstESPN
(Via @PatMcAfeeShow ) pic.twitter.com/41sSx1SoSh
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 14, 2024
Given the state of negotiations at the time of these lines, it is difficult to see Paul George and the Clippers reaching an agreement on an extension before the June 30 deadline. Enough to boost speculation on the sidelines of the opening of Free Agency.
What scenarios for PG-13 in Free Agency?
Originally from Los Angeles, arrived with Kawhi Leonard in 2019 to put the Clippers at the top, and surrounded by his friends from LA (James Harden, Kawhi, Russell Westbrook), Paul George seemed destined to extend in the City of Angels there still has a few months. This remains a real possibility (PG can always extend in Los Angeles as a free agent), but other scenarios are more relevant today than ever.
If PG-13 does indeed become a free agent in a few days, there’s no doubt he’ll have suitors. We are particularly thinking of the Sixers, who theoretically have the salary margin necessary to offer a max contract to PG (212 million over 4 years) and thus form a new Big Three with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. If the track seems to have cooled recently, it remains to be monitored. Other ambitious teams like the Magic or the Thunder also have cap space large enough to position themselves on the file.
If Paul George is planning to leave Los Angeles and wants to expand his options, he can also decide to take his player option at $48.7 million to extend his contract by one year and request a transfer at the same time. . This is a scenario that we saw for example with James Harden and the Sixers in the 2023 offseason. This could allow other franchises than those previously mentioned to enter the game. Like the Warriors, the Knicks or even the Pacers. However, the Clippers being a team above the second apron until June 30 at least, their room for maneuver is currently limited to make transfers (no sign-and-trade for example).
“Paul George’s situation with the Clippers is very interesting. Should the Clippers decide not to pay George what he wants, it may not be an Eastern Conference team that pursues George.
Keep a very close eye on the Warriors regarding George if Klay Thompson is to leave.” 👀… pic.twitter.com/o40lpbOiA8
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 24, 2024
Extension to the Clippers? Departure for Free Agency? Transfer ? There are various options regarding Paul George, who could well liven up the market in the coming days. So, what jersey do you see him in next season?
2024-06-24 10:03:00
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