Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George declined his $48.7 million player option on Saturday. The veteran, who will officially enter unrestricted free agency, has meetings scheduled with teams with cap space. The Clippers will also be involved, although the team no longer has the option of an opt-in and trade scenario. The 34-year-old finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. He also shot a career-high 41.3% from behind the arc. Without a doubt, George is one of the top free agents available, so any team that adds him enhances their chances of winning an NBA title. Despite his age, George could remain a top-25 fantasy option for at least a few more seasons.
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Paul George could remain in the Pacific Division as a member of the Golden State Warriors. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, a "very close eye" should be kept on the Warriors regarding George if Klay Thompson leaves the team. George has previously linked with moving to the East, with the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic seen as the most realistic landing spots for the nine-time All-Star. Considering Thompson's massively disappointing campaign in 2023-24, George would be a major upgrade for the Warriors, adding value to the team at both ends of the floor.
Philadelphia Reportedly Losing Interest In Paul George
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Philadelphia 76ers interest in Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George has "waned in recent days." The 34-year-old, who can decline his player option to become an unrestricted free agent, was reportedly high on Philadelphia's wish list this offseason. While there's still a chance that both sides re-engage in discussions this summer, for now, the 76ers may look for alternatives on the open market. George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals last season. Even better, he appeared in 74 contests. Although his production has declined over the years, he's still a top fantasy option in all formats. That may not change for at least a few more seasons, regardless if he re-signs a massive extension with the Clippers or goes elsewhere.
Magic Considered A "Natural Suitor" For Paul George And Klay Thompson
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Orlando Magic are seen as a "natural suitor" for Paul George and Klay Thompson. Both players could hit the open market this summer and would fit in well with the Magic. Thompson could prove the team much-needed three-point shooting, while George's addition would boost Orlando at both ends. After having his worst campaign in nine years, a change of surroundings should improve Thompson's fantasy stock. George's numbers might get better as well with bigger usage on a team that doesn't have as many star names as the Los Angeles Clippers.
Terance Mann Hopes Paul George Sticks With Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Paul George has been linked with an exit from L.A. via free agency, but teammate Terance Mann hopes to see the nine-time All-Star stick around. Mann was asked on FanDuel TV's Run It Back to have a guess if George will remain a Clipper in 2024-25. "I hope so," said Mann. "But you never know with this free agency stuff." George is reportedly "Plan A" for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, with the Orlando Magic also seen as a potential landing spot for him.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, speaking on FanDuel TV's Up and Adams, there is a "growing belief" that Paul George will remain with the Clippers. The veteran could become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he doesn't sign an extension and declines his $48.8 million option. While he has interest from several clubs, it appears he may remain in Los Angeles. George isn't the player he once was. However, the 34-year-old still averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 74 regular-season appearances for the Clippers. He also shot a career-high 41.3% from behind the three-point line. With that said, George will remain a coveted fantasy option for all formats heading into the 2024-25 campaign. But his inability to stay healthy during his career is something fantasy managers should keep in mind when drafting.
Paul George On Track To Hit Unrestricted Free Agency
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Paul George looks set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, George has received multiple contract offers below the max, which he will not accept. The nine-time All-Star has a $48.8 million player option for next season and can become a free agent if he can't agree on an extension with the Clippers before June 30. He is eligible to sign up to a four-year, $221 million contract. If the Clippers can't strike a deal with George, who's likely looking to get his final big contract after turning 34 at the start of May, he would instantly become one of the top available free agents on the market.
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Paul George shot only 4-for-13 from the field to finish with 15 points in Wednesday's 123-93 loss to Dallas. After going off for 33 points in Game 4, George struggled to get going offensively, although he managed to save his fantasy line a bit by getting a game-high 11 rebounds and handing out four assists. The Clippers star is shooting 41 percent from downtown in the series but has been wildly inconsistent with his performances. Sitting on a scoring average of 19.8 points per game, George is on track to have his least productive playoff campaign since 2013.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George tied with James Harden for a team-high 33 points in Sunday's win over the Mavericks. He struggled in Game 3, ending the night with just seven points. But without Kawhi Leonard (knee) on the floor for Game 4, George did all he could to help his team knot the series at two games each. It will be tough for the 33-year-old to remain as productive in Game 5. However, assuming Leonard isn't available for that contest, George should remain one of the Clippers' top performers.
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Paul George (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's rematch with the Suns. He had 23 points across 39 minutes on Tuesday against Phoenix but sits out the second leg of a back-to-back with a sore left knee. George's absence opens the door for Amir Coffey to enter the starting unit. Coffey has averaged 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 27.5 minutes across 11 previous starts this season. He played well at both ends on Tuesday and could be a good fantasy selection again for Wednesday.
