Paul George and his Los Angeles Clippers are currently involved in a competitive first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Playoffs.
The Clippers were able to take Game 4 in Dallas to even the series up at two heading into Wednesday’s huge outing in Southern California.
One of the major backdrops here is George likely hitting NBA free agency during the summer. The soon-to-be 34-year-old forward has a $48.8 million player option for next season that he’s set to turn down.
While previous reports had indicated that George would likely re-sign with the Clippers ahead of free agency, it’s not stopping other teams from showing early interest in the nine-time All-Star.
Related: Paul George and the top NBA free agents of 2024
Orlando Magic expected to be interested in Paul George during NBA free agency
“There’s two teams that are paying very close attention to Paul George: the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers, because both of them have the money to throw at him and have a need for a wing, just like him, a veteran guy.”
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne on the Paul George situation
Brian Windhorst responded by indicating that it’s going to be all about whether the Clippers offer George a max contract. Right now, the two sides are reportedly “far apart” in extension talks.
George is subject to the NBA’s over-38 rule. This means that the Clippers can offer him the most (four years, $221.1 million). Any other team is limited to a four-year, $212 million offer. That doesn’t seem to be a huge difference for someone who has made north of $305 million throughout his career.
- Paul George stats (2023-24): 22.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 47% shooting, 41% 3-point
We already know about Philadelphia’s reported interest in George. Though, the team might not be willing to offer up the max.
Orlando is in a different situation. It has the cap room to sign George outright. Meanwhile, the up-and-coming team could very well be looking for a veteran addition.
The Magic find themselves down 3-2 in their first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Former No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero looks like an absolute star. Teaming him up with George in the frontcourt could make a ton of sense.