The Golden State Warriors are surely looking to make a splash this offseason after losing in the play-in tournament, and that splash may come in the form of Paul George.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported “there is a growing feeling” that George will exercise his $48.8 million player option for next season in an effort to “force” the Los Angeles Clippers to then trade him since they have been unable to come to terms on a contract extension.
In such a scenario, Stein suggested the Warriors and New York Knicks are potential suitors. He noted Golden State might be even more interested than New York and would likely have to put together a multi-team trade to make it happen.
Golden State may have to trade Chris Paul to land George, as he is set to make $30 million in base salary during the upcoming campaign and would clear up some space for the team to potentially add an impact player like George.
The Warriors are likely also focused on the Klay Thompson situation.
The franchise legend is a free agent this offseason, although ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently reported the team offered him a two-year deal.
Adding George and bringing back Thompson would be quite the offseason for Golden State, which is surely looking to at least make one more championship run with the core of Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green all still together.
George would be quite the wing player alongside the Curry and Thompson shooting combination, as he is talented enough to take full advantage of the spacing created by the defensive attention the Splash Brothers draw.
He is also a formidable defender who can take some of the responsibilities off the guards’ shoulders on that end of the floor.
George’s resume includes six All-NBA selections, four All-Defensive selections and nine All-Star Game nods. He has averaged better than 21 points per game in each of the last nine seasons and would give the Warriors another weapon offensively while making their defense all the more formidable.
Age and durability may be something of a concern since George is 34 years old, but he just played 74 games last season. If he could stay healthy, he could end up with the first championship of his career if the Warriors landed him in a trade.