Paul George Trade Packages for Knicks, Warriors, 76ers, More Amid Latest NBA Rumors
Los Angeles Clippers star forward Paul George appears set to be the most coveted player on the trade market this offseason.
George is eligible to sign a contract extension this summer, but NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Monday that "there is a growing feeling leaguewide that the 34-year-old picking up his $48.8 million player option for next season to force the Clippers to trade him is an increasingly realistic scenario."
If George becomes available on the trade market, the Clippers will be fielding calls from a slew of teams that would undoubtedly be interested in adding the nine-time All-Star.
Let's take a look at some of the potential trade packages that could convince the Clippers to ship away George before the 2024-25 season.
Paul George to Knicks
Clippers receive: C Mitchell Robinson, SF Bojan Bogdanovic, SG Alec Burks, 2024 No. 24 pick (via DAL), 2025 first-round pick (via MIL), 2028 first-round pick
Knicks receive: SF Paul George
The Clippers are a veteran-laden team, so it might be difficult for the New York Knicks to pull off a trade for George without giving up one of their talented young players like Miles McBride or Donte DiVincenzo. In this scenario, New York would happily throw in three first-round picks to sweeten the deal while giving up three experienced players.
Mitchell Robinson dealt with multiple injuries during the 2023-24 season, but when healthy, he's one of the best rebounders and defensive centers in the league. Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks are reliable scorers who can provide three-point shooting around Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.
Adding George to a core that is led by Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle would make the Knicks instant contenders for an NBA championship next season.
Paul George to Warriors
Clippers receive: G Chris Paul, PF Jonathan Kuminga, C Trayce Jackson-Davis
Warriors receive: SF Paul George
Trading George to another team in the Pacific Division likely would be detrimental to the Clippers' chances of competing for a title in the near future, so the team would likely be seeking a substantial return.
In negotiations with the Golden State Warriors, it can be expected that Los Angeles would not let George go without taking back some of Golden State's most promising players. Jonathan Kuminga has shown the potential of being a star player on both ends of the floor, and Trayve Jackson-Davis had flashes of being a productive big man in his rookie season.
Adding Chris Paul to the deal would give the Clippers the floor general they were missing last season and reunite the veteran point guard with the franchise with which he achieved the most of his success.
Paul George to 76ers
Clippers receive: C Paul Reed, 2024 No. 16 pick, 2026 first-round pick (via OKC, HOU or LAC), 2028 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick (via LAC), 2029 first-round pick (via LAC)
76ers receive: SF Paul George
The Philadelphia 76ers don't have much to play with this offseason. Tobias Harris, Kyle Lowry, Buddy Hield, Kelly Oubre Jr., Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington and De'Anthony Melton are all among the Sixers players heading for unrestricted free agency this summer.
Without those players available to include in a deal for George, it would take an unprecedented amount of first-round picks to convince the Clippers to deal away one of their top stars.
The Sixers are desperate for postseason success, as star center Joel Embiid has yet to advance past the Eastern Conference Semifinals in his career, so they likely would have no problems giving up future assets to build a contender for next season. Adding George next to Embiid and Tyrese Maxey would create a dangerous trio capable of dethroning the 2024 champion Boston Celtics.
Paul George to Thunder
Clippers receive: SG Isaiah Joe, PF Kenrich Williams, PF Ousmane Dieng, 2024 No. 12 pick (via HOU), 2025 first-round pick (via HOU or LAC), 2027 first-round pick (via LAC)
Thunder receive: SF Paul George
Once upon a time, the Clippers shipped away talented point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plus five first-round draft picks as part of a package to acquire George from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, the Thunder would welcome the opportunity to pair George alongside Gilgeous-Alexander on a team that finished with the best record in the Western Conference this past season.
The Thunder likely wouldn't want to let go of some of their key young players like Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams. If they create a package with some of their other pieces that they can afford to give up alongside a slew of draft picks, it could be enough to convince Los Angeles to send George back to Oklahoma City.
Paul George to Magic
Clippers receive: PF Jonathan Isaac, PG Anthony Black, SF Joe Ingles, 2024 No. 18 pick, 2026 first-round pick (via PHX or WAS)
Magic receive: SF Paul George
The Orlando Magic are one of the most intriguing teams this offseason. After achieving the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference this past season, the Magic will have a ton of cap space to play with this summer and will likely be looking to add a veteran to their young core.
A package that includes Jonathan Isaac, Joe Ingles and 2023 No. 6 pick Anthony Black would provide the Clippers with a combination of veteran experience and youthful promise. A pair of first-round picks would also help prevent Orlando from giving up a coveted player like Franz Wagner in the deal.
Playing alongside Paolo Banchero would be a similar situation to what George has experienced while playing alongside Leonard, so the two wings could lead the Magic to the top of the East if Orlando is able to pull off a deal for the 34-year-old.