One NBA writer is proposing that the Toronto Raptors acquire Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster trade. Tyler Watts of Fansided’s “Clipperholics” proposed that the Raptors trade Pascal Siakam and Otto Porter Jr. to the Clippers for George.
George 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. However, the eight-time NBA All-Star missed the final 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.
Without George, the Clippers lost to the Suns in five games. George has only played in 87 out of a possible 164 games in the past two seasons. The 33-year-old signed a four-year, $176 million maximum contract extension with the Clippers in December 2020. George 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, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
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 massive extension. The swingman 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 summer 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, Toronto Raptors & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
“The Raptors are facing a difficult decision too,” Watts wrote. “Pascal Siakam is entering the final year of his contract. Toronto missed the playoffs last season and lost Fred VanVleet in free agency. Is a rebuild on the horizon, or do they sign Siakam long-term and build a better roster around him? Siakam has been in the rumors, and a challenge trade might benefit both sides. Paul George gives the Raptors an elite scorer at the three that would bring some added versatility. Siakam is bigger, younger, and closer to his prime. All of those traits could interest LA.”
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