2024 NBA Free Agency: Paul George opts out of joining the Clippers, enters free agency

Nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George has declined his $48.8 million option to play with the Los Angeles Clippers next season, becoming one of the league’s most sought-after free agents, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The 34-year-old averaged 22.6 points (47/41/91 shooting), 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season, leading the Clippers to the first round of the playoffs, where they lost to the Dallas Mavericks.

The Clippers could offer George a four-year contract worth a maximum of $221 million. But they were not willing to offer more than the three-year, $152.4 million extension that Kawhi Leonard signed during the offseason, according to multiple reports. George’s decision to opt out will put the Clippers’ intentions to the test.

George’s suitors became clear hours later when he was mentioned Meetings are scheduled with the Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic once the free agency period begins.

The Clippers traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and the rights to seven first-round picks in exchange for George in the summer of 2019, as they were also in the process of recruiting Leonard to Los Angeles. Last season marked the first time George played more than 56 games in a season with the Clippers.

George led the team to its first appearance in the Western Conference Finals in 2021.

The Sixers, who consider themselves the only championship contenders with a salary cap, have long been expected to be among the favorites, even after Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the team’s interest in George “It has declined significantly.“. (Perhaps because his interest in them has waned?) Sixers star Joel Embiid was Public recruitment George to Philadelphia live during the NBA Finals.

However, competing for a championship may not be George’s only goal in free agency.

“People say we’re going to win the championship,” George said. A recent episode of his podcast“It’s not that, but playing the right style of basketball is what I’m looking for.”

George could sign with another team for up to $212 million over the next four seasons. The Detroit Pistons are currently the only team besides the Sixers expected to clear enough cap space to sign him.