Clippers star Paul George has reportedly declined his $48.7 million player option for the 2023-24 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George has reportedly declined his $48.7 million player option for the 2023-24 season, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. This decision makes George an unrestricted free agent, meaning he is free to sign with any team in the NBA.
George's decision to decline his player option is not surprising, as he has been widely expected to test the free agent market this summer. The 32-year-old had a solid season with the Clippers in 2022-23, averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. However, the Clippers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks, and George has reportedly been frustrated with the team's inability to advance further in the postseason.
Paul George Declines Player Option, Hits Free Agency
There are a number of teams that are expected to be interested in signing George, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks. The Lakers, in particular, are reportedly very interested in adding George to their roster, as they believe he would be a perfect fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
George is one of the best two-way players in the NBA, and he would be a valuable addition to any team. He is a skilled scorer, rebounder, and defender, and he can also create for others. George is also a veteran leader, and he would bring a winning mentality to any team he joins.
It is unclear what George's asking price will be in free agency, but it is likely that he will command a salary in the range of $30-40 million per year. The Clippers can offer George a five-year contract worth up to $228 million, but it is unclear if they are willing to pay that much money for a player who is already 32 years old.
The Clippers are also reportedly interested in re-signing Kawhi Leonard, who is also set to become a free agent this summer. If the Clippers are able to re-sign both Leonard and George, they would be one of the favorites to win the NBA championship next season. However, if they lose either player, they will likely be forced to rebuild their roster.
George's decision to decline his player option is a major development in the NBA offseason. He is one of the most sought-after free agents on the market, and his decision will have a significant impact on the future of several teams.
