Nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George turned down a $48.8 million option to play for the Los Angeles Clippers next season, making himself one of the league’s most coveted free agents, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The 34-year-old averaged 22.6 points (on 47/41/91 shooting splits), 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season, leading the Clippers to the first round of the playoffs. They lost to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Clippers could offer George a four-year, $221 million max contract. According to multiple reports, they are unwilling to offer Kawhi Leonard more than the three-year, $152.4 million extension he signed in the offseason. George’s decision to quit will test the Clippers’ intentions.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George declines his $48.7M option and enters free agency, sources tell ESPN. He plans to set up meetings with Cap Space teams and the Clippers starting Sunday night. A choice/trade situation is no longer present. pic.twitter.com/kASDp58eDD
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
George’s suitors were evident when he was a few hours later reported The Clippers will have meetings with the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic once free agency begins.
The Clippers traded the rights to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and seven first-round draft picks for George in the summer of 2019 as they worked to recruit Leonard to LA. Over 56 games into a season for the Clippers.
George led the franchise to its first appearance in the Western Conference Finals in 2021.
The Sixers, who see themselves as the only championship contender with maximum salary cap space, are expected to suit up long after The Athletic’s Shams Sarania reported the team’s interest in George.”has decreased significantly.” (Maybe they lost interest?) Sixers star Joel Embiid Recruiting openly George to Philadelphia on live TV during the NBA Finals.
However, a championship won’t be George’s only goal in free agency.
“People say they’re chasing a championship,” George said The latest episode of his podcast, addressing his free-agency goals. “It’s not, but it’s playing the right style of basketball that I’m chasing.”
George could sign with another team for $212 million over the next four seasons. The Detroit Pistons are currently the only team other than the Sixers expected to clear enough cap space to sign him.
