As soon as the 2023-24 season ended, many teams started to move pieces around in their rosters to gear up for the next season. Many potential trades have also surfaced with the most surprising players. In all the current discussions, two stars are likely to leave their teams. Paul George and Klay Thompson both are about to be free agents this month.
Klay Thompson was reportedly offered a two-year extension by the Golden State Warriors, but the former champion wants a better contract. The dynasty is at stake if Thompson decides to decline the offer. If the situation occurs, the Warriors are likely to approach Clippers star Paul George, as revealed by NBA insider Brett Siegel.
Should the Clippers decide not to pay George what he wants, it may not be an Eastern Conference team that pursues George. Keep a very close eye on the Warriors regarding George if Klay Thompson is to leave. Brett Siegel via X
Previously, George was rumored to move conferences and join a team in the East, but that may not be the case anymore. During the finals, Joel Embiid hinted at the Philadelphia 76ers interest in George. Recently, the New York Knicks were also seen as a contender to land George. However, the 34-year-old might go in a different direction to win his first championship.
George could be a good replacement for Thompson, as the forward would contribute at the offensive and defensive ends. George had a better shooting percentage in the season, which has been a problem in Thompson’s case. The star also averaged more points than Thompson. As such, it could boost the Warriors next season.
Paul George is not chasing championships during free agency
George was drafted one year before Thompson did, but the star is four championships behind the Warriors guard. In the 14 seasons George has played in the NBA, the star couldn’t get to the finish line, including with the Clippers’ super team. Hence, at this point, George is not seeking championships anymore.
During an episode of his Podcast P, the player talked about his future in the league. As the star will be a free agent, George revealed that a championship was not his goal. The forward wants to play the ‘right style’ of basketball instead of aiming at titles.
Like people are saying, ‘chasing a championship.’ Like, it’s not that. But it’s playing the right style of basketball is what I’m chasing. Paul George via Podast P
It will be interesting to see what choice George makes this week. He still may return to the Clippers as he has a player option this season. However, considering his thoughts about free agency and the offers he has received, George is highly likely to leave LA after five years.
