Kofi Inkoom
Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is opting out of his $48.7 million contract and will enter free agency, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
He plans to meet with teams that have cap space, as well as the Clippers, starting Sunday night. The possibility of an opt-in and trade is now off the table.
Despite turning 34 in May, George has continued to perform at an elite level among NBA wings in recent seasons. During the 2023/24 season, he played in 74 games and averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
The Clippers, who extended Kawhi Leonard’s contract to three years for $152 million in January, have been trying to secure George with a similar deal. However, the proposed contract is less than the maximum he could get in terms of both years (he’s eligible for up to four years) and money.
So far, George, who is from Los Angeles, has been unwilling to accept the offer, leading to a deadlock between the two parties. As a result, George is considering his options on the open market.
According to Chris B. Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to pursue George now that an opt-in and trade to the Warriors is no longer an option.
Other teams like the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Indiana Pacers are also anticipated to show interest in the 34-year-old star.