As Clippers prepare for draft, Paul George’s future hangs in balance

Clippers forward Paul George, right, driving against Mavericks guard Josh Green during Game 4 of their playoff series, has until Friday to exercise his option for a $48.7 million deal next season. If he declines it, he’s an unrestricted free agent. (Jeffrey McWhorter / Associated Press)

A collaboration between Paul George and the Clippers could come in many different forms.

And that is perhaps the most pressing concern the Clippers must evaluate, even more so than the NBA draft, which starts Wednesday night.

They don’t have a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, just a second-round selection at No. 46.

At that position, teams usually look for the “best player available,” and that will be the same for the Clippers.

The Clippers’ best options probably will be wing players and guards, and they won’t be on the clock until Thursday night.

But the most important thing for the team is dealing with George’s situation.

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He has a player option for $48.7 million and has to let the Clippers know by Saturday whether he’ll opt in on his deal.

George can decline the option and become a free agent if he and the Clippers are unable to come to an agreement on an extension before Sunday. He’s eligible for a four-year deal worth $221 million from the Clippers before that date, something George is seeking.

So far, the two sides have not been able to get a deal done.

Russell Westbrook ($4 million) and P.J. Tucker ($11.5 million) also have player options they are expected to exercise by the deadline.

When Kawhi Leonard agreed during the regular season to a three-year contract extension with the Clippers for $152 million, the team had conversations with George about a similar deal.

But no deal came to fruition and it was left up to George to speak on the matter after the Clippers were eliminated from the Western Conference playoffs in Game 6 by the Dallas Mavericks.

George, 34, was asked if he could see himself with the Clippers long term.

“Yeah,” George said in May. “If it works that way, absolutely.”

The rumors have been flying about George opting out of…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/clippers-prepare-draft-paul-georges-100028526.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-06-26 10:00:28

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