One NBA writer is proposing that the Cleveland Cavaliers acquire Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster trade. Ari Schwartz of HoopsHabit proposed that the Cavaliers trade Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert and Isaac Okoro to the Clippers for George.
“The Cavs had an amazing regular season, winning 51 games, but ultimately fell very short in the playoffs, losing in five games in a first-round series against the Knicks,” Schwartz wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “With only two years guaranteed on Donovan Mitchell’s contract, Cleveland has to make a big move if they want to keep their newly acquired star around long-term.
“There may be no better way to do that than adding a proven veteran like Paul George. George is entering his 14th season but is still performing at an all-star level, with averages of 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game. He would fill a huge need at the small forward position, not to mention veteran leadership for an extremely young team.”
George averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Clippers last season while shooting 45.7% from the floor, 37.1% from 3 and 87.1% from the free-throw line. However, the eight-time NBA All-Star missed the last nine games of the regular season with a knee injury and didn’t play in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Phoenix Suns.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Cleveland Cavaliers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Without George, the Clippers lost to the Suns in five quick games. George has only played in 87 out of a possible 164 games in the past two seasons. The 33-year-old signed a lucrative four-year, $176 million maximum extension with the Clippers in December 2020. George will make $45.6 million next season and has a player option worth $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season.
The New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers were interested in acquiring George from the Clippers this summer, but things changed after New York and Portland got word that George was seeking a huge extension. The talented two-way forward is eligible for a contract extension worth around $220 million over four years.
The Clippers haven’t reached the NBA Finals since George and Kawhi Leonard joined the franchise in the summer of 2019. Some insiders around the NBA believe the Clippers could blow up the roster next offseason if the team doesn’t compete for a championship in 2023-24. Los Angeles is potentially facing a crossroads with its roster since Leonard and George both have player options for the 2024-25 season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Cleveland Cavaliers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Cavaliers would have a Big 3 of George, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland if Cleveland’s front office figured out a way to acquire George. It will be fascinating to see what happens with PG-13 this offseason.
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