SPECULATION: It’s in the Clippers Best Interest to Acquire Paul George After Next Season
Most likely, Pacers star Paul George will be ready to walk away from the team next summer. It is in the LA Clippers best interest to nab George from the Pacers, and form a super team of their own.
According to Dylan Huberman of FanSided, Paul George will not stay in Indiana for long.
"It seems as though George will be ready to walk away from the team and decline his player option after the end of next season if the mediocrity continues. Especially when “super teams” keep on form every few years."
No question with the Pacers struggling to make the playoffs year after year is affecting Paul’s mindset. Ever since their two-year Conference Final run they have been in a huge slump, losing control of the East. Huberman explains George’s frustration, and it is clear he wants to win now, in his prime.
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"Even though he’s sat around and waited some time for the brass to get him some help, there hasn’t been much done. However, acquiring Jeff Teague, and Thaddeus Young hasn’t done much. Monta Ellis has fallen off a cliff."
The LA Clippers can potentially squeeze in cap space for Paul George and give themselves a real chance to win it all. There is a way they can form a “Big Four”, keeping Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul while adding Paul George. This potential starting lineup is a nightmare for any opposing team.
Both Chris and Blake are expected to opt out of their current contracts this summer, negotiating for more money. Chris Paul has supposedly ‘verbally’ committed to a huge contract extension with the Clippers in the off-season. Luring Griffin to stay could be a challenge, depending on how the playoffs transpire.
Rumor: Chris Paul has verbally committed to re-signing
Let J.J. walk?
The only reasonable way Los Angeles can form a “big four” is by letting J.J. Redick sign with another team this summer. Redick is an unrestricted free agent this off-season and is free to sign with any team desired.
Marc Stein of ESPN, explains the situation with Redick’s new contract this summer, with the salary cap rising.
"Word is that some within the organization are concerned Redick is going to be too pricey to re-sign when the sharpshooter hits the open market in July."
Hypothetically if Los Angeles skips out on a contract offer for Redick this summer, they have a shot. With Paul Pierce retiring this season, that almost clears up enough cap for Paul George. Marreese Speights and Luc Mbah a Moute are also options that can be let go, which is enough cash by then. This is the most realistic way the Clippers can come up with an All-Star small forward they desperately need while keeping their three star players. Paul George is arguably one of the best two-way players in the league. His defense is needed to shut down the elite small forwards of the league.
PG For BG?
Another way the Clippers can sign George is if somehow Blake walks this summer. He may have a change of heart as multiple reports have confirmed Blake would be open to a fresh start. According to Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report:
"More and more people around the league believe he would be open to a fresh start- perhaps with the Lakers or the Boston Celtics. Who have coveted Griffin for years, and would offer a new chance to win."
Rumor: Blake Griffin to Pursue Options in Free Agency?
Bill Oram from the Orange County Register, recently asked Blake about free agency.
"I’ve loved my time here, absolutely, but my main focus right now is the season. I said this before the season, I’m not doing the whole free agency talk. I’m not talking about any decision I can’t make right now."
The Clippers could possibly look into a sign and trade with Blake for PG, or if Blake likes Indiana for some reason, he could pick up his last year option as part of a star swap.
One Issue
Although acquiring Paul George would really be in the best interest of the team, it is unlikely to happen. As a matter of fact, George used to date Doc Rivers daughter. (Austin Rivers sister)
It did not end well, which affects the likeliness of this transaction from happening. (PG supposedly chated on Callie Rivers) It would be tough having the men of the Rivers’ family having to interact with George on a day-to-day basis. However, if they can get past that and focus on basketball reasons, it is a great fit.