3 Clippers on the Chopping Block After First Round Exit

2. Paul George

George technically isn’t on the chopping block heading into the offseason. However, the Clippers’ plans will be dictated by what the star forward ultimately decides to do.

As previously mentioned, George has a $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 season. But it’s been reported that the 34-year-old forward is expected to decline it in search of a new deal and could become a free agent on Jun. 30.

The Clippers do not want George to leave as they probably want to run it back with the same trio, which features Leonard and Harden. 

However, Amick and Law from The Athletic wrote after Game 6 that there had been extensive discussions between the two sides, which included in February around the trade deadline. But with no new deal in sight, the Clippers are opening themselves up to other teams such as the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, who have the cap space and are interested in George.

The Athletic also reported that the Clippers hope that George “would be willing to accept a similar deal” to the one they handed Leonard, which would help the team financially.

The 34-year-old George saw his production slightly dip this season as he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. However, the star forward shot 47.1 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from beyond the arc.

If the Clippers want to have any hopes and intentions of competing for a title, they must find a way to keep George around.