Besides LeBron James, the biggest player to potentially enter free agency this year would be Paul George. The LA Clippers star has not made up his mind yet. However, an NBA Insider shared three possible options for George in the big summer.
Stating his views on “NBA Today”, Bobby Marks of ESPN said, “You resign with the Clippers, but on their terms, you go out and sign with a team like Philadelphia potentially, or you opt-in and then ask to be traded.”
According to Marks, the first option for the veteran is to extend his contract with the Clippers. “The second option is to go into free agency,” added the Insider. Then he pointed at the Philadelphia 76ers as the “wild card team”. However the Sixers’ have shown a lack of interest now.
The third option for Paul George is to force a trade after opting in. While explaining it, Marks showed the Golden State Warriors on the screen, so he quickly said, “I put Golden State up here, just a hypothetical. I’m not breaking news here.”
The Clippers have bigger goals in the upcoming season. Paul George might not be aiming at winning the championship trophy, but the franchise feels otherwise. They have plans to form the Big 3 surrounding the 9-time All-Star. Despite his free agency rumors, the Clips believe PG-13 would remain with them.
Paul George to Reportedly Opt-In
Paul George hasn’t shown any interest in resigning with the Clippers, but Brian Windhorst is confident about his stay. However, the third option could most likely be applied in this case.
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Stating the reason for staying, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said that the franchise feels “Paul George is going to want to stay home in L.A. where his family is, where he’s got roots, where he’s wanted to be.”
The Clippers have offered a 3-year contract worth $149.7 million and are reluctant to raise it. The swingman could reportedly opt-in and then push a trade or can sign a $221 million maximum contract with the Clippers.
The 34-year-old averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the regular season while delivering 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game in the playoffs. The Clippers had to give up their post-season dreams in the first round due to the Mavericks‘ dominance. With a long off-season ahead, the ball is firmly in Paul George’s court now.
