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Paul George enters the summer of 2024 as the top unrestricted free agent on the market according to our HoopsHype free agent rankings.
Many around the league believe that George will want to stay in Los Angeles as a Clipper, but after two trips to the postseason ending in the first round in the past three seasons, the core is aging forward, and limited flexibility to improve if the three. remains to be seen, will George wish for the convenience of playing at home or will he chase a better chance to win elsewhere?
The Clippers want to keep George as one of their core pieces for when the Intuit Dome opens later in 2024 and beyond, but extension talks with the nine-time All-Star broke down earlier this season with the organization hoping to take him on. under contract negotiations, league sources told HoopsHype.
The Clippers signed Dear Leonard to a three-year, $153 million extension on January 11. Ideally, the organization did not want to exceed that contract to extend the 34-year-old George, with Leonard considered the team's best player, league sources told HoopsHype. However, the Clippers may have no choice and be forced to pay George a big contract or risk losing him as he is expected to have a lot of interest in the free agent market, and the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic have already been linked to the versatile forward.
One situation the 76ers have envisioned this offseason is a third division Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and George, league sources told HoopsHype. However, some around the league are wondering if George would be willing to move across the country in cold weather and if the Sixers will be used as a possible leverage during free agency.
Orlando has built its core around size and length and will enter the offseason looking to improve its outside shooting. George, a 41.3-point 3-percent shooter this season, would check all the boxes in Orlando and become the veteran All-Star the team has been missing for years.
George may also be more marketable than the only teams with cap space this summer. Obviously, George can enter his contract and be traded with the understanding that he will make a new deal, which will open up opportunities for teams like the Kings, Heat, Rockets, Mavericks, and others looking to get another star to strengthen their team. Championship contenders will enter next season.
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