According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Golden State Warriors are “prepared” to trade for Los Angeles Clippers wing Paul George. Additionally, Windhorst says that the team is also willing to give George a four-year max contract extension.
“Paul George, frankly, wants four years. He wants a full out max and there are a number of teams out there, I am told, that are prepared to give it to him, who are prepared to trade for him. One of those teams, potentially, is up the coast in Golden State.”
George has a $48.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season. Recently NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that “there is a growing feeling” around the league that George could opt in to his option and request a trade.
“There is a growing feeling leaguewide that the 34-year-old picking up his $48.8 player option for next season to force the Clippers to trade him is an increasingly realistic scenario after months of fruitless contract extension negotiations between the parties. I’m pretty sure that the Warriors are as interested in George as the Knicks-maybe more. Can Golden State assemble the likely multi-team trade that would be needed to win the PG-13 Sweepstakes? Stay Tuned.”
Golden State Warriors “Prepared” to Acquire 9x All-Star
Paul George Wants to Stay on the West Coast
One of the most popular destinations for George this summer was the Philadelphia 76ers. Following the end of their season, reports indicated that the 76ers were aiming to add a top-tier wing to their roster. It appeared the 34-year-old was their top target. However, according to Windhorst, George does not want to leave the West Coast.
“I’m not so sure Paul George really wanted to leave the West Coast,” said Brian Windhorst on the Hoop Collective Podcast on Wednesday morning. “I think that was something Philadelphia kind of ran into when they kicked the tires there.”
George is a California native and went to Fresno State, a university in California. The Warriors, of course, play in California as well. If George does end up leaving the Clippers, the Warriors seem to be a realistic destination for him.
The Warriors Are “Aggressively” Shopping Two Former All-Stars Amidst Paul George Rumors
According to The Ringer’s Logan Murdock, the Warriors are attempting to trade Andrew Wiggins and Chris Paul this offseason. Wiggins struggled to find a consistent role with the team last season, averaging a career-low 13.2 points per game. As for Paul, after just one season with the Warriors, the team is looking to move on from his $30 million salary. Previously, reports indicated that the Clippers had interest in a reunion with the future Hall of Famer. It will be interesting to see if the Warriors trade Wiggins and/or Paul in a deal to land George.
The Last Word
It is looking increasingly likely that George has played his last game for the Clippers. Last season, he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Furthermore, he was selected to the All-Star Game for the third time in his Clippers tenure.
