Paul George's free agency decision is of course one of the biggest question marks surrounding the LA Clippers' offseason. The star wing has a player option on his contract for next season, and he could opt in to return to Los Angeles. But if he declines, PG could very well be on his way out the door to sign with another contender in short order.
What decision he opts for could change the direction of this franchise and significantly raise or lower the Clippers' ceiling for next season. With all of the discussion surrounding George's situation, he knows very well that his every move is being scrutinized heavily right now.
That is why the comments Paul recently made on his podcast were perhaps not the most wise words he could have chosen. When asked about what exactly he is looking for in the next stage of his career, PG stated that winning a championship was not necessarily at the top of the list.
"For sure contributing to winning basketball," said George. "But, at this point, it's not even about, people saying 'chasing a championship,' it's not that. But it's playing the right style of basketball, is what I'm chasing."
Paul George on what he’s looking for in free agency and his future:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) June 19, 2024
“For sure contributing to winning basketball. I mean at this point… It’s not even about… Like people are saying, ‘chasing a championship.’ Like, it’s not that. But it’s playing the right style of basketball is… pic.twitter.com/N2TpSP9g2a
Paul George says winning a championship is not his biggest priority
Around social media, it was clear that these comments brought a collective eye roll from a large contention of Clippers fans. For one, it can be frustrating to hear a player say they are not focused on what most would consider the ultimate goal, especially for die-hard fans of the team.
But for another, many fans seem to be simply annoyed with Paul saying these words publicly and phrasing it the way he did, given the type of response he knows it will bring. Whether his desire to win a title still remains strong or not, doubters will now have plenty of fuel to criticize him down the road.
For someone who has achieved all that George has on the hardwood, it is reasonable to think that a player with that type of pedigree could be more interested in playing a winning brand of basketball at this stage of his career, as well as passing down lessons to younger players. We have already seen young stars like Brandon Miller point to PG as being one of their biggest basketball inspirations.
Even so, this is still a somewhat alarming statement for it to come in the midst of his massive free agency decision. There is no doubt going to be even more eyes on Paul George in the coming weeks now.