The Summer's Biggest Free Agent: Paul George's Future
Assuming LeBron James stays with the Lakers, the biggest free agent on the market this summer is undoubtedly Paul George. As an unrestricted free agent, George holds the cards to his future, with the ability to join any team that possesses the resources to afford him. This could be through available cap space or via a sign-and-trade agreement with the Clippers, should George signal his intent to leave Los Angeles.
Interest from the Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are openly targeting George as their top priority, and they just so happen to have the necessary salary-cap space to make a competitive offer. In May, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Clippers are hesitant to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension already given to Kawhi Leonard. In contrast, the Clippers have the capacity to offer George a four-year deal worth up to $221 million, but if they refuse to reach that figure, and if the Sixers are willing to, could George be tempted to chase a championship alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey?
The Right Style of Basketball
On his podcast, George mentioned that playing the right style of basketball is his primary focus, although he didn’t delve into specifics about what exactly that entails. George’s comment is reminiscent of Kevin Durant’s rationale for joining the Warriors—a desire to participate in their ball and player movement system.
Team Styles and Suitability
The NBA features diverse styles, generally segmented into teams that emphasize ball movement and teams that rely on a high-usage star in a heliocentric offense, like those led by Luka Doncic or Trae Young. Having played alongside James Harden on the Clippers, George is no stranger to adapting his playstyle, though he’s no longer inclined to wait for a last-second pass with the shot clock winding down.
Any team vying for George’s services will have to consider his preference for the “right style” of play. While George appears content with the Clippers’ current system, it’s useful to evaluate how other potential destinations stack up. Under new head coach Nick Nurse, the Sixers boast a more dynamic offense structured around Embiid as the focal point, with Maxey providing downhill attacks.
The Orlando Magic, on the other hand, lack a definitive offensive identity and would likely tailor their game plan to highlight George’s strengths. However, despite his claims of not prioritizing a championship, a move to a team like the Magic or the rebuilding Houston Rockets seems improbable for a player of his stature.
Defensive Considerations
George has also emphasized the importance of a team's defensive prowess. He has acknowledged the formidable defense of the Boston Celtics, noting their ability to switch and guard multiple positions effectively. Given these considerations, it’s evident that George will weigh the defensive composition of his potential new team as heavily as their offensive style.
Final Thoughts
Narrowing down George’s potential new team can be challenging based solely on cap space, as teams often find creative ways to make room for star talent. Whether he ends up in Philadelphia, back with the Clippers, or elsewhere hinges on a combination of factors, including financial terms, playstyle compatibility, and defensive capability.
Ultimately, George’s ambiguous statement about playing the “right way” leaves fans and analysts speculating. His decision this summer will likely not just hinge on money or titles, but also on finding a team where he feels he can play the style of basketball he values most.
Whatever path George decides to take, his choice will undeniably shape the landscape of the NBA for the upcoming season and beyond.