While the offseason is likely the last thing on the mind of Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George right now, his future remains a relevant topic of conversation.
The veteran has a player option on his deal for next season that he’ll have the opportunity to decline in order to become a free agent this offseason. But according to a report, the expectation is that George will re-sign with the Clippers and continue playing in Los Angeles.
“That could change in July when the Philadelphia 76ers project to have a massive cache of cap room,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus. “While it’s believed to be earmarked for Paul George, multiple NBA sources expect George to re-sign with the L.A. Clippers. With a weak free-agent market, [Andrew] Wiggins may be the best available wing for Philadelphia.”
George and the Clippers are currently focused on their first-round playoff matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. The series is tied 1-1 after two games in Los Angeles, meaning Dallas currently has home-court advantage moving forward.
Led by George, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, the Clippers have no shortage of talent, but this postseason, they’re looking to do more than just have an impressive roster.
This is George’s fifth season with the Clippers. In the 2023-24 regular season, he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from deep.
During George’s stint with the organization, the Clippers haven’t reached the NBA Finals. In fact, they’ve never done so in franchise history. But the talent is in place for L.A. to make a run this season, and its first task is to take care of business against the Mavericks.
Games 3 and 4 will take place in Dallas on Friday and Sunday. To avoid falling into a major hole, the Clippers will need to win at least one of those games on the road. Doing so would also shift home-court advantage back in L.A.’s favor.
George has earned nine All-Star nods, six All-NBA selections and four All-Defensive team bids, but he’s still trying to win his first ring in the NBA. If the latest reporting is any indication, it sounds like he may spend the foreseeable future with the Clippers as he tries to accomplish that goal — though he could become a champion as soon as this season.
