According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George has declined his $48.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season. With this move, George is now officially an unrestricted free agent.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is declining his $48.7M option and entering free agency, sources tell ESPN. He’s planning to set meetings with cap space teams and the Clippers beginning Sunday night. An opt-in/trade scenario is now gone. pic.twitter.com/kASDp58eDD
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
George has spent the last five seasons with the Clippers. In that time, he has averaged 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Furthermore, he is a three-time NBA All-Star and a one-time All-NBA Third Team selection during this time.
Previously, reports indicated that the belief was that George had three realistic destinations for next season. This includes a contract extension with the Clippers, an opt-in and trade to the Golden State Warriors, or a contract to join the Philadelphia 76ers as an unrestricted free agent. With the 34-year-old declining his player option, it appears a move to Golden State is out of the picture.
REPORT: 6x All-NBA Selection Officially Becomes Free Agent
Will Paul George Make His Way to Philadelphia?
In May, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the 76ers had interest in adding a premier wing to the roster. According to Windhorst, the team was considering George, Brandon Ingram, and Jimmy Butler. Additionally, the team has recently been linked to other players like Zach LaVine and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, Windhorst made it clear from the beginning that George was their top target.
“The player at the top of their list is Paul George.” @WindhorstESPN thinks the Sixers are going to give PG-13 a max contract offer in free agency, and will look to monitor Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram’s situations.”
Furthermore, last month, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor said the 76ers believe “there is a real chance” George will end up on the roster this summer.
“From my understanding,” O’Connor says on The Bill Simmons Podcast, “talking with people around the league, they think there’s a real chance he ends up leaving (the Clippers). No guarantees, but there’s a chance of it.”
With George declining his player option, a move to Philadelphia appears to be more possible than ever.
Could Paul George Stay With the Los Angeles Clippers?
It is important to note that George could sign a new contract with the Clippers despite declining his player option. In many cases, a heavily-desired star like George would decline their player option to explore the market and weigh all their options to determine what is best for them. In George’s particular situation, it is very possible this is all it is. However, according to Law Murray of The Athletic, a “source close to George is not optimistic that he wants to return to the Clippers.”
Team source confirms to @TheAthletic that LA Clippers All-Star Paul George will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time since 2018. ESPN first
Source close to George is not optimistic that he wants to return to the Clippers. He is a legitimate walk threat. Stay tuned. https://t.co/Ay0vYLGFZe
— Law Murray
(@LawMurrayTheNU) June 29, 2024
Free agency officially kicks off on Sunday, June 30 at 6 PM EST. It will certainly be interesting to follow George’s status throughout the offseason.
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