Paul George is set to become the most sought-after star around this summer.
The Los Angeles Clippers have had the option of locking him up long-term on a max deal this entire time. They opted not to. And to make matters worse, they prioritized retaining Kawhi Leonard over him.
Because of that, many believe George will be on the move this summer. There is one team that seems best positioned to capitalize on the Clippers’ misstep, but they aren’t the only suitor in town. The Los Angeles Lakers have also been linked to George’s services.
This week, an alternative option presented itself.
According to Bleacher Report, the Orlando Magic are a team to watch when it comes to George.
“Among George’s realistic non-Clippers suitors, Philadelphia would probably offer him the nearest-term shot at a title, but Embiid has rarely been healthy in the postseason,” the report noted.
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“The Orlando Magic would likely give George a longer runway. As long as Orlando wouldn’t have to give up Franz Wagner to acquire George, a trio with those two and Paolo Banchero would be among the NBA’s most versatile on both ends of the floor.
“All three can create. All three can defend multiple positions. And assuming some development for Banchero and Wagner, all three could command attention outside as shooters. Banchero and Wagner are also only 21 and 22, respectively. They should improve throughout the duration of George’s next contract.”
Where George goes next will have massive ramifications on the league as a whole. He is that sort of difference-maker.
His departure could singlehandedly wreck the Clippers’ seemingly perennial current status as a legit title contender in the West.
And it could make whatever playoff Eastern Conference squad he joins into a legitimate championship option. The Boston Celtics proved this year just how weak that conference truly is.
Where will George ultimately be playing when the 2024-25 NBA season tips off? Time will tell.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
