Los Angeles Clippers

As the opening day of free agency continues, Paul George's time with the Los Angeles Clippers seems to be over.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday that George's agent, Aaron Mintz of CAA, met with Clippers president Lawrence Frank for a conversation that "resulted in no new movement" toward a new contract for George. Because of that, Wojnarowski reported, the Philadelphia 76ers have become the front-runner to sign the veteran.

Wojnarowski also reported that the Clippers and George plan to move on from each other. The Clippers confirmed the news, releasing a statement that revealed George plans to sign elsewhere:

"Paul has informed us that he is signing his next contract with another team," the statement read. "Paul is a tremendous talent and an elite two-way player. We feel fortunate for the five years we spent with him. Over that span, he went to three All-Star Games, made the most 3-pointers in franchise history and helped lead the team to a place it had never been. His performances in Games 5 and 6 against Utah in 2021 won't be forgotten by anyone associated with the Clippers."

The statement also noted that the team and George were not close on a potential new deal.

"We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart," the statement continued. "The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul's decision to look elsewhere for his next contract. We explored an opt-in and trade scenario, but it would have left us in a similar position under the new CBA, with very little asset value to justify the restrictions."

George's departure ends a somewhat disappointing five-year era for the Clippers. Los Angeles' best result was a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2021, but it had two first-round exits, a second-round exit and missed the playoffs completely in 2022.

The Clippers will now look to replace George in free agency, while the star forward looks to find a new team.

Along with the 76ers, George reportedly plans to meet with the Orlando Magic, though it will to make the money work after signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a $66 million contract.

Russell Westbrook is a Los Angeles Clipper, for now.

Westbrook exercised his $4 million player option for 2024-25, but Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that the Clippers are currently "working on trades to move Westbrook."

Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 68 games for the Clippers in 2023-24. While he is not the MVP-caliber player he used to be, he is still a reliable scoring option set to play on a cheap contract.

One team that has been linked to Westbrook is the Denver Nuggets. They were viewed as a potential suitor in free agency, and they should remain a team to watch.

Westbrook doesn't appear to be forcing the move. He is a Los Angeles native and has not explicitly stated a desire to leave. However, whether the Clippers want him is up for debate.

The team went 51-31 in 2023-24 and earned No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. The season ended in a disappointing first-round exit, and this summer appears to be a consequential one.

The Clippers re-signed James Harden to a two-year, $70 million deal Sunday, but the team confirmed that Paul George is signing elsewhere. Kawhi Leonard is still in the fold, and other names linked to the Clippers include DeMar DeRozan and Klay Thompson.

While having Westbrook on a cheap deal could be appealing, moving him for other value could be as well.

The Los Angeles Clippers re-signed James Harden to a two-year contract worth $70 million that includes a player option, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Harden spent the 2023-24 season with the Clippers following a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the blockbuster move, Los Angeles still fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks.

The Clippers could also risk losing Paul George in free agency, as Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported on Sunday that the team isn't willing to offer him a contract longer than three years.

With a lot of uncertainty surrounding Los Angeles' future, fans weren't impressed with Harden's deal.

Fischer noted that the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers are both "prepared" to offer George a four-year maximum contract, which could end up being the difference in his free agency decision. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the 34-year-old plans to speak with all three teams starting on Sunday night.

If George departs in free agency, it would be difficult for the Clippers to contend for a top seed in the Western Conference with just Harden and Kawhi Leonard leading the team. Leonard is 33 years old, while Harden will be 35 before the beginning of next season.

Los Angeles is also dealing with the uncertain future of Russell Westbrook. Even though he accepted his $4 million player option on Saturday, Charania reported that the Clippers are "actively" working on trades involving him.

Harden wrapped up an underwhelming 2023-24 season, as his scoring average dipped below 20 points per game for the first time since his days with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also shot just 42.8 percent from the field, the third-lowest mark of his career. While his individual production may increase once again with George potentially out of the picture, it's not a certainty.

Even if his numbers do improve as a possible No. 2 scoring option, the Clippers would likely be worse off without a nine-time All-Star such as George in the starting lineup.

Longtime Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson is officially a free agent for the first time in his career, and he reportedly has a long list of teams that he intends to meet with this offseason.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Thompson "plans to have discussions with" the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks "in the opening hours of free agency."

ESPN's Bobby Marks explained how each team could acquire Thompson:

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on Sunday that there is a belief that Thompson would be open to accepting the $12.9 million mid-level exception from either Los Angeles team. It would be a surprising turn of events for the 34-year-old, as he turned down a two-year, $48 million offer from the Warriors prior to the 2023-24 season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Thompson was once one of the best two-way guards in the league, but injuries and age caused a dip in his production this past season. He averaged 17.9 points while shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc, his first time averaging less than 20 points since his third year in the NBA in 2013-14. His role was reduced throughout the season as the Warriors committed to giving minutes to younger players like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga.

Thompson leaving Golden State would mark the end of an era, but it seems like he believes he will have a better opportunity to contribute elsewhere. The Lakers, Clippers, Sixers and Mavs are all hoping to contend for an NBA title next season, so the four-time champion would be a strong addition for any of them.

The Los Angeles Clippers' roster has undergone some significant changes since the start of free agency on Sunday.

L.A. started by re-signing veteran guard James Harden to a two-year, $70 million deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. Per Charania, Harden's new contract includes a player option for the second year as well.

The Clippers followed that up by signing forward Derrick Jones Jr. to a three-year, $30 million contract in free agency, according to Charania.

However, the biggest move involving the Clippers was a departure, as nine-time All-Star Paul George left the organization Monday morning, signing a four-year, $212 million maximum deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

With Harden staying, Jones arriving and George leaving, here is a look as the Clips' roster as it currently stands:

• Kawhi Leonard (SF)
• James Harden (SG)
• Norman Powell (SG)
• Ivica Zubac (C)
• Derrick Jones Jr. (SF)
• Russell Westbrook (PG)
• Terance Mann (SG)
• P.J. Tucker (PF)
• Bones Hyland (PG)
• Kevin Porter Jr. (PG)
• Amir Coffey (SG)
• Kobe Brown (PF)
• Jordan Miller (SF)

Per Spotrac, the Clippers have $176.8 million in total salary cap allocations and are $36.2 million over the cap. However, they are $13.9 million under the first luxury-tax apron and $24.7 million under the second.

Although the 34-year-old Harden's return to the team was far from a certainty, there appeared to be mutual interest between both sides prior to the start of free agency. The Athletic's Sam Amick and Law Murray reported on May 4 that Harden and the Clippers "want this partnership to continue."

The 10-time All-Star was acquired by Los Angeles in a Nov. 2023 trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden transitioned to a complementary role alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, averaging 16.6 points and 8.5 assists per game on 42.8/38.1/87.8 shooting splits.

Although the Clippers fell to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs with Leonard out, Harden stepped up in the postseason. He recorded 21.2 points and 8.0 assists each night in six playoff appearances, shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from behind the arc.

While keeping Harden is significant, losing George could knock the Clippers out of playoff contention next season, as he has long been one of the best two-way players in basketball.

Last season, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.3 three-pointers made and 1.5 steals per game, while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from beyond the arc.

There is likely no replacing that production at this point, but the Clippers are likely hopeful Jones can be part of a by-committee approach.

With the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks last season, Jones started 66 of the 76 games he appeared in and averaged a career-high 8.6 points per game to go along with 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 three-pointers made and 1.0 assist.

Los Angeles is in the midst of a busy offseason. In addition to the Harden, Jones and George moves, Russell Westbrook picked up his $4 million option to stay with the Clippers on Saturday, although Murray and Jenna West of The Athletic revealed that his return "is not a certainty" and the front office may still attempt to move him.

While the Clippers' offseason still has several moving parts, Harden's future with the organization is secure.

James Harden is "expected to find" a three-year contract offer if the Los Angeles Clippers lose Paul George in free agency, according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.

Per Fischer, the Clippers have "explored avenues" to get under the second apron and gain access to the $5.2 million tax-payer mid-level exception.

On Saturday, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James would be willing to take a pay cut on a max deal and listed Harden as a player that James would sacrifice some of his potential salary for.

James' agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, told McMenamin that the 39-year-old is willing to work with the Lakers front office and possibly sign a deal worth less than a maximum of three years and $162 million in order to open up the full $12.9 million mid-level exception.

That may not be enough for Harden, though. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported on Sunday that he's projected to earn "somewhere closer to double" the mid-level exception amount, with the Clippers interested in bringing him back.

George's future with the organization is uncertain after he declined his $48.7 million player option on Saturday. He could still end up returning to the organization, as Shams Charania of The Athletic listed Los Angeles among the teams that the nine-time All-Star will meet with once free agency begins.

Earlier in the offseason, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was "hopeful" that the team would be able to retain Harden and George.

"We'd like to be able to bring back and retain Paul and James," Frank said on May 6, per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "We're hopeful we can, but also understand and respect the fact that they're free agents. Paul has a decision with his option. James will be an unrestricted free agent, so our intent is to bring him back, but also realize that they're elite players and they'll have choices."

Harden embraced a smaller role with the Clippers following his trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, as his scoring average of 16.6 points per game represented his lowest mark since the 2010-11 season. The 2018 MVP also averaged 5.1 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game, shooting 42.8 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from behind the arc.

While his return to the Clippers is far from guaranteed, Harden should still be able to find a three-year contract offer in free agency.

Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul has interest from multiple teams if he enters free agency on Sunday.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Paul would "interest" the Los Angeles Clippers if he becomes an unrestricted free agent, as Russell Westbrook's future remains "uncertain" despite picking up a $4 million option to return to the team on Saturday. The San Antonio Spurs are also "believed to have" interest in Paul.

ESPN's Kendra Andrews reported on Friday that there is a "possibility" the Warriors waive the veteran, although the team also wants to "keep exploring trades" involving him.

Paul's name was mentioned during Paul George trade talks between the Clippers and Warriors, according to Tim Kawakami of The Athletic. Although the deal never materialized, Los Angeles could still attempt to sign Paul as a reserve point guard if the team chooses to move on from Westbrook.

The 39-year-old has history with the Clippers, as he spent six years with them from 2011 through 2017 and holds the No. 1 spot on the organization's all-time assists leaderboard.

Los Angeles isn't Paul's only former team to have interest in a reunion. Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on Sunday that the Phoenix Suns have also been connected to him if he becomes a free agent.

Paul primarily operated as a backup for the first time in his career with the Warriors, averaging 9.2 points and 6.8 assists in 26.4 minutes each night on 44.1/37.1/82.7 shooting splits. He was limited to just 58 appearances due to a left hand fracture.

If the 12-time All-Star is searching for a larger role, the Spurs are also an enticing option. San Antonio's starting point guard spot changed hands multiple times last season as head coach Gregg Popovich searched for an ideal partner for standout rookie Victor Wembanyama.

While Paul's timeline doesn't exactly match the 20-year-old's, his ability to consistently throw accurate lob passes would be beneficial for the 7'4" center as he enters his second season in the association.

Although his All-Star days may be behind him, Paul should receive interest from several teams if he enters free agency on Sunday.

After declining his $48.7 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers, veteran forward Paul George plans to meet with a handful of teams in free agency.

Per The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania, George plans to meet with the Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.

Charania reported that George will begin meetings late Sunday night after free agency begins.

Both the 76ers and Magic have been linked to George even before he opted out of his contract. TNT and Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes reported Saturday that Philadelphia is "expected to aggressively pursue" George and is a "legitimate threat" to pull him away from the Clippers.

The Magic were also reportedly eyeing George long before the postseason was over.

But the Clippers will likely be looking to hold on to George to keep their championship window open following a disappointing first-round exit against the Dallas Mavericks. Depending on how much George is seeking in a deal, though, it could be hard for Los Angeles to outbid the 76ers or Magic.

The Clippers gave Kawhi Leonard a three-year, $153 million extension in January, and giving another aging, injury-riddled star could be ill-advised, especially considering Los Angeles didn't find much success with its current group last season.

At 34 years old, George is looking to prove he still has more left in the tank and help a team contend for a championship. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last year—far from his best season, but still a solid showing overall.

The 76ers are seemingly one piece away from being a Finals contender, and George could be that missing piece alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

The Magic showed tremendous growth this season, reaching the postseason and taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games, but are still likely a move or two away from being a championship-caliber team. Pairing a veteran like George next to a rising star in Paolo Banchero could pay dividends in the long run.

The Los Angeles Clippers may have to prepare for the post-Paul George era.

The nine-time All-Star opted-out of his $48.7 million player option for 2024-25, which means he will hit unrestricted free agency when the period opens June 30.

While the Clippers should remain in the running for his services, the competition will be stiff and it will surely look to other solutions for keeping the team competitive.

Replacing George will not be easy. The 34-year-old averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 74 games for the Clippers in 2023-24. He helped Los Angeles go 51-31 and earn the No. 4 seed in the West, but the team would fall to the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round.

With teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets in the running for George, the Clippers need to prepare for the reality of not having him. Here are a few alternative routes the franchise could pursue.

DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan may be one of the best value options. He will be an unrestricted free agent and will likely have similar suitors to George. He averaged 24 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 79 games for the Chicago Bulls in 2023-24, and would be an ideal replacement.

Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram could be a long-term solution, but the Clippers would need to utilize the trade market to get him and run the risk of losing him next Summer. He has one year remaining on his current deal and will then hit free agency, so the Clippers would likely aim for a sign-and-trade if possible.

He averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 64 games for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023-24. He could replace George's production while also leaving some room for growth.

Tobias Harris

If George goes to the 76ers, the Clippers could pursue the player he replaces. Tobias Harris is set to hit free agency and is expected to leave Philadelphia. He averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 70 games for the 76ers in 2023-24. While he is not necessarily up to George's standard, he would make sure that the Clippers get production out of the position.

Paul George is going to become a free agent after declining his $48.8 million option with the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2024-25 season.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the news with the latest information:

George is expected to meet with the Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic when free agency opens, according to Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic. Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reported the 76ers will "aggressively pursue" the star and are a "legitimate threat" to sign a contract.

This also ends the reported pursuit from the Golden State Warriors, who were hoping to land the wing in a possible trade after an opt in:

George is coming off his ninth-career All-Star season in which he averaged 22.6 points on 41.3 percent three-point shooting, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in 74 starts.

This moves doesn't come as a surprise because George seems to have a lot of negotiating leverage over the Clippers right now.

Kawhi Leonard previously signed a three-year, $152.4 million extension through the 2026-27 season in January. His contract came in under the max, which seemed to be an indication he wanted to leave room for the front office to extend both George and James Harden.

Despite George and the Clippers having talks throughout the season, they weren't able to find agreement on a new deal. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on March 29 the two sides were "apart" on an extension.

It wasn't clear how far apart they were at that point, but it was apparently enough that they couldn't bridge whatever gap there was. Another potential issue is the cap implications for the Clippers if they doubled down on this group.

Governor Steve Ballmer hasn't been afraid to invest big money on the roster, but they spent $342.5 million this season between payroll and luxury tax payments.

If the Clippers had another postseason disappointment or injury to a star player, would it really be worth it to keep hoping things would come together as George will play next season at 34 and Leonard will be 33?

Of course, the Clippers are also moving into their own arena next season and they need to sell tickets in a very competitive market.

George has made the Clippers' decision even more difficult by opting out of his deal, though it seems unlikely this is a surprise for the front office. This could end up being the last major contract of his NBA career, whether it's from the Clippers or another organization.