NBA rumors, The Los Angeles Clippers have finally received another exceptional talent after many years of waiting.
ESPN Original Sources: Paul George will hold free agent meetings on the West Coast starting late Sunday night and continuing through Monday with the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic.
Paul George will be attending some meetings this weekend after choosing not to exercise his $48.7 million player option.
What the native of Southern California ultimately chooses to do next will set off a domino effect throughout the NBA. After competing teams have had a chance to pitch to UFAs, reports suggest he will meet with the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers at some point after 6 p.m. on Sunday.
George could get a four-year contract worth up to $212 million from teams like the Sixers and Magic. The NBA’s over-38 rule means that the Clippers can only provide PG’s Bird Rights, which grant L.A. the ability to pay him up to a maximum salary starting in the same range, although only 8% hikes would bring the total to $221 million.
However, they don’t appear to be interested in giving him a fourth year at this time. It remains to be seen if they will give in to his demands or if that is a bluff.
The outcome of the summer 2024 edition of “The Decision” will determine the fate of players like Klay Thompson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, DeMar DeRozan, and a few multibillion-dollar teams.
At various times this season and in the winter, George was said to be thinking about signing an extension with the Clippers.
We also found out more recently that he was thinking about opting in and looking for a trade. Alright, since neither of them happened, Daryl Morey and the Sixers’ $60 million in cap space—along with established players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey—might be appealing.
Paul George and the Clippers have been negotiating for a year, and for the last few months, they have definitely been back and forth.
The Clippers have not extended their contract to him for a fourth year, which he wants. Undoubtedly, he is also asking himself, “Are we a championship contender?” when glancing over the Clippers squad. every other element. I believe that he still finds living in Southern California and supporting the Clippers as they move into the new Intuit Dome to be quite intriguing.
However, Philadelphia and, to a lesser extent, Orlando can provide him with that fourth year on the market. Philadelphia, for sure. Is there a clear route to victory in the Eastern Conference? Though Boston must yet be overcome, Philadelphia believes Paul George is a player who can assist them in defeating the Celtics.