From their side, the Los Angeles Clippers probably weren’t perplexed by the Golden State Warriors’ interest in a sign-and-trade for Paul George.
He’s a nine-time All-Star who, despite a reputation for underperforming in the playoffs, is still one of the most lethal scorers in the league. For a team like the Warriors, his career three-point percentage (38.5) is particularly enticing. Add to that the fact that he’s long been among of the best perimeter defenders and there’s plenty to like.
Yet, the notion that the Clippers would help George get to the Warriors was also somewhat inconceivable. Yes, it would be better to get something out of his inevitable departure than nothing. Furthermore, in executing a sign and trade, they likely could have ended up with another two-way player in Andrew Wiggins.
However, the Clippers would be helping a competitor and division rival. To that point, teams usually try to trade stars out of their conference. Additionally, Los Angeles is playing the long game. Rather than focusing on what they could accomplish in just the next one or two seasons, they’re trying to remain competitive for the foreseeable future.
Clippers Laser-Focused On Landing ‘Young’ Star
“The Clippers weren’t interested in taking something back just to avoid losing George for nothing,” reports ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. More to the point, they weren’t interested in a deal that would infringe upon their efforts to land a “young star in the future.”
“Sending George to the Warriors to get players like (Moses) Moody, expiring contracts and some draft capital also would have meant taking on a hefty contract like that of Wiggins, who has three years and $85 million left on a four-year, $109 million deal. That would’ve kept the Clippers from going after another young star in the future…”
A title contender looking to go a little younger isn’t completely out of the ordinary. As previously mentioned, it’s a way to achieve sustainable success. Still, if the rumors prove to be true, it’s definitely a change of pace for Los Angeles.
Who Could The Clippers Sign?
The Clippers are projected to have $63.1 million in practical cap space in 2026. Yet, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann, Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Kobe Brown, and Cam Christie will still be under contract. That being said, Los Angeles will certainly be able to add a young star in a couple of years.
In 2026, players like Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, and Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. will be unrestricted free agents. Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic and Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young will have player options on their contracts. Thunder big man Chet Holmgren and Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero could become restricted agents.
Who becomes available and how much interest they would have in the Clippers remains to be seen. Of the aforementioned players, Young may be the most likely to leave. Looking to play for a championship contender, he could see Los Angeles as a better option than Atlanta.
If James Harden —who’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2026 —wants to return to the Clippers, L.A. should be paying attention to the frontcourt logjam in Memphis. Jackson is their best big man but Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, Santi Aldama, and Jay Huff are pretty talented too. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ weakest position is power forward.
