Paul George: The Biggest Free Agent of the Summer
As the NBA offseason approaches, all eyes are on Paul George, who stands out as the most significant free agent available this summer—assuming LeBron James stays with the Lakers. George, an unrestricted free agent, has the freedom to sign with any team that has the necessary resources, either through cap space or a sign-and-trade agreement with the Clippers.
Potential Suitors for George
The Philadelphia 76ers have made no secret of their desire to secure George, declaring him their top target. Conveniently, the 76ers possess max salary-cap space, making them a viable contender. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey, the Clippers have shown reluctance to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension they gave to Kawhi Leonard. Although the Clippers can offer George a full max deal of $221 million over four years, they appear hesitant to take that step. This raises the question: would George consider leaving Los Angeles for a shot at a championship alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey?
Playing the Right Style of Basketball
George has publicly stated that his primary focus is on playing the right style of basketball, though he hasn't elaborated on what exactly this entails. His declaration leaves much room for interpretation and speculation. It's clear, however, that George is not going to reveal his summer intentions just yet.
Kevin Durant’s move to the Warriors was driven by a desire to play within their ball and player movement system. This highlights that different teams offer varying styles of play, often tailored to their personnel. Some teams revolve around ball movement, while others focus on a heliocentric style built around high-usage stars like Luka Doncic or Trae Young. George, having played alongside James Harden with the Clippers, seems unlikely to relish a scenario where he stands around waiting for a star player to pass him the ball with just seven seconds left on the shot clock.
Team Styles and Preferences
The teams vying for George’s talents will each have their own unique styles. The Clippers' style seems to sit well with George, given his tenure there. The 76ers, under head coach Nick Nurse, are known for their tempo and pace, utilizing Embiid as a hub and Maxey as a downhill attacker. Meanwhile, teams like the Orlando Magic, lacking a definitive offensive identity, would likely tailor their offense around George.
Regarding other potential destinations, it's hard to imagine George leaving the Clippers for a team like the Magic or the Houston Rockets unless he sees a clear path to winning a championship or fitting into the "right" style of basketball. George has lauded the Celtics for their defensive versatility, suggesting that he also has an eye on the defensive capabilities of any potential new team.
The Financials and Potential Outcomes
While it’s possible to narrow the list of suitors based on cap space, history shows that where there’s a will, there’s a way. Teams can get creative with sign-and-trade deals or other maneuvers to fit a star player into their budget. The critical factor will be aligning George's preferences for style and team structure with a financially feasible contract.
George’s statement that he’s "not even necessarily chasing a championship" might be a way to mask his true intentions or keep his options open. The vagueness of his desire to play the right way is, in essence, a strategic move—saying something without revealing much.
Quotes
"At this point, I’m not even necessarily, this is not even about—people say chasing a championship, it’s not that. It’s playing the right style of basketball is what I’m chasing."
"What team doesn’t play the right style of basketball according to its personnel?"
"I want to play the right way."
In the end, it will be intriguing to see where Paul George lands and how his decision impacts both the Clippers and the league as a whole. His choice will likely hinge on multiple factors, including style of play, financial incentives, and the potential for winning a championship. Until then, fans and teams alike will be buzzing with anticipation and speculation about the next chapter in Paul George's illustrious career.