Kofi Inkoom
According to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic are closely monitoring Paul George’s situation with the Los Angeles Clippers.
George has the option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he decides to turn down his $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 season. The Clippers have until June 30 to secure George with an extension. Earlier this year, they secured Kawhi Leonard with a three-year, $149 million extension.
Shelburne said on the Hoop Collective podcast, “There’s two teams that are paying very close attention to Paul George: the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers. Because both of them have the money to throw at him and have a need for a wing just like him, a veteran guy. Every time I watch the Sixers, I’m like, ‘Oh, they could use Paul George.'”
George boasted impressive numbers this season for the Clippers, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 47.1% from the field, 41.3% from three-point range, and 90.7% from the free-throw line.
The Clippers are currently tied 2-2 with the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. Historically, the Clippers have never made it to the NBA Finals. Throughout his career with the Pacers, OKC Thunder, and Clippers, George has maintained averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Looking ahead, the Clippers will debut in the Intuit Dome next season. Owner Steve Ballmer is keen on retaining George, especially with the inauguration of the new arena, but there’s speculation about whether he’s willing to offer George a max contract.
As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also added this on the podcast, “It’s just a matter of whether the Clippers are gonna give him the max, which is something they don’t wanna do because they didn’t give it to Kawhi.”
George and Leonard have been teammates on the Clippers since the 2019-20 season. Despite their partnership, the Clippers have faced postseason challenges, reaching the second round in 2020, the conference finals in 2021, missing the playoffs in 2022, and losing in the first round in 2023.