The Phoenix Suns never discussed trading for Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George, according to NBA insider John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.
The Suns hired Frank Vogel, who coached George on the Indiana Pacers. There has been speculation that Vogel wants to reunite with George. However, Phoenix won’t be trading for George.
The Suns acquired Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards this offseason. They now have Beal, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.
The New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers were interested in acquiring George from the Clippers, but things changed after New York and Portland got word that George was seeking a massive extension. The swingman is eligible for a contract extension worth around $220 million over four years.
It appears the Knicks, Blazers and Suns were not ready to trade for a player who is prone to injuries. George has only played in 87 out of a possible 164 games in the past two seasons. The eight-time All-Star averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Clippers last season while shooting 45.7% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 87.1% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Phoenix Suns Updates
However, George missed the final nine games of the regular season with a knee injury and didn’t play in the first round of the 2023 playoffs against the Suns. Without George, the Clippers lost to the Suns in five games.
George signed a four-year, $176 million maximum contract extension with the Clippers in December 2020. The six-time All-NBA forward will make $45.6 million next season. He has a player option worth $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Phoenix Suns Updates
The Suns could still trade Ayton during the 2023-24 regular season after almost trading the center to the Dallas Mavericks this summer. However, don’t expect Phoenix to acquire George just because of his connection with Vogel.
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