One NBA writer is proposing that the Toronto Raptors acquire Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster deal. Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Clippers and Raptors:
Toronto Raptors Receive: Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr, Chris Boucher, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Raptors would add a superstar wing to elevate their team in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference landscape. While there is a lot to like about what Anunoby provides defensively, only so much Toronto can achieve offensively with him as a key player.
There is undoubtedly risk involved with such a trade for the Raptors. George’s injury history is a concern, considering he’s had difficulty staying healthy come playoff time in recent years. Similar to Toronto’s previous superstar trade for Kawhi Leonard, it would be a gamble that circumstances would align at the right time, but at least would give them a much greater chance to succeed.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors Updates
By making a trade of this nature, the Clippers would decide that getting younger would be the right approach going forward after failing to even reach an NBA Finals in the years that George and Leonard have been a superstar duo. The longer both players remain together, the harder it’ll be to gain great trade value in return.
Another factor to consider is both George and Leonard need to work out new contracts in the near future. They each are contract extension eligible but do the Clippers want to send out the necessary amount required to retain them long-term considering their injury history?
George appeared in 56 games for the Clippers last season. The eight-time NBA All-Star averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists. George suffered a knee injury near the end of the regular season and didn’t play in the Clippers’ first-round postseason series versus the Phoenix Suns.
George will make $45.6 million this season and has a player option worth $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season. The Clippers and George have talked about an extension, so it’s doubtful George will get traded.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors Updates
However, if George and the Clippers can’t agree to an extension, Raptors president Masai Ujiri could come lurking.
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