Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George has a $48.8 million player option for next season. For much of the season, rumors have surfaced about what the 34-year-old will decide to do. Some sources have linked George to teams like the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers. However, while that is still on the table, a new report suggests George is not going anywhere. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, “multiple NBA sources expect George to re-sign with the LA Clippers.” Additionally, Pincus believes Golden State Warriors wing Andrew Wiggins may end up in Philadelphia if George stays with the Clippers.
Based on the buzz around the trade deadline, Andrew Wiggins was the player the team shopped unsuccessfully.
That could change in July when the Philadelphia 76ers project to have a massive cache of cap room. While it’s believed to be earmarked for Paul George, multiple NBA sources expect George to re-sign with the LA Clippers. With a weak free-agent market, Wiggins may be the best available wing for Philadelphia.
In his fifth season with the team, George is enjoying the healthiest season of his stint with the Clippers. George played and started 74 games for the team this season. In those games, the Fresno State alum averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Furthermore, he shot 47.1% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc. Both of these numbers are career highs for the nine-time NBA All-Star.
Paul George’s Future May Be Decided, Per Multiple NBA Sources
Past Reports Suggest George Wants to Stay With the Los Angeles Clippers
Recently, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst indicated George and the Clippers were “apart” on an agreement for a contract extension.
But it’s now been three months, give or take, and there’s been no agreement on Paul George and the word in the NBA is that they’re apart. It’s not like, let’s have a big problem. They’re apart…
However, Windhorst clarified that he believes George will re-sign with L.A., even if “it may not be for the full max.”
I think the league believes that Paul George wants to remain a Clipper, and there would be concern in the league about recruiting Paul George–especially if you had to give away players to open up space. …My informed speculation is that, eventually, Paul will agree to a deal with the Clippers. It may not be for the full max, but it may be for more than what the Clippers have been offering.
What’s Next for PG13?
Currently, George’s Clippers are in a playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks. Furthermore, the series is tied 1-1 as it moves to Dallas for Game 3 on Friday. In two games so far this postseason, George is averaging 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Additionally, he is shooting 44.1% from the field and 35.3% from behind the three-point line. For now, the California native has made it clear his focus is on the playoffs, not his contract.
George, who can become a free agent this coming offseason if he declines his player option, told reporters, “That’s not where my mind is at right now,” when asked about the status of his contract negotiations with the Clips.
