With the Golden State Warriors failing to make the playoffs, they are in need of a strong offseason to get them back on track. That can start in just a few days with free agency and they have reportedly been linked to a star that is stuck in a contract dispute, Paul George.
Paul George 'Increasingly Realistic' to Opt-In and Force Clippers To Trade Him ; per @TheSteinLine
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) June 24, 2024
"There is a growing feeling leaguewide that the 34-year-old picking up his $48.8 million player option for next season to force the Clippers to trade him is an increasingly… pic.twitter.com/3v7ZQbF83k
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George may opt into his contract and work with his team on a trade. That would open the door to teams that don't have cap space and give those teams a chance to acquire a star that they would have otherwise not had an opportunity to land.
The Warriors have exhibited no desire to part with Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, per @MontePooleNBCS
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 25, 2024
“Getting a veteran impact player almost certainly would require moving Jonathan Kuminga, who projects to have the highest upside of… pic.twitter.com/3yJ5EOkQ4M
While the Warriors don't appear inclined to include their best young players, such as Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Poziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis, or Moses Moody, they have other players that can be included to possibly acquire George.
Can the Golden State Warriors land Paul George this summer?
The Clippers and George failing to agree to a deal could result in a mutual parting of ways, essentially meaning that the team acquiring him would be pulling off a sign and trade. That might mean that the Clippers would accept less than they would otherwise since George would only agree to opt to be dealt. As a result, the Warriors could offer Chris Paul, Kevon Looney, and Gary Payton II for George.
That deal might make sense for the Clippers and Warriors, with the Clippers getting three rotation players, including Paul, for George. The Warriors, on the other hand, may have to waive or trade Paul to ensure they stay under the second apron and were reportedly considering moving on from Looney for the same reason before picking up his contract, likely to trade him.
As for Payton II, he may be expendable considering his injury history and contract. Moving all three for an upgrade in George would be a huge get for Golden State and give them a chance to reset around Steph Curry this summer.