NBA Free Agency: The Future of Paul George
Assuming LeBron James stays with the Lakers, the biggest free agent on the market this summer is Paul George. An unrestricted free agent, George can join any team that has the resources to sign him, either via cap space or a sign-and-trade with the Clippers if he makes it clear he's leaving.
Philadelphia 76ers: A Top Contender
The Philadelphia 76ers have made it clear that George is their top target, and they just happen to have maximum salary-cap space. In May, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reported that the Clippers are unwilling to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension they gave to Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers can offer George his full max of $221 million over four years, but if they won’t go that far, and the 76ers will, George might be tempted to leave Los Angeles for a shot at a championship alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
George's Mindset and Style of Play
George has made his priorities clear on his podcast, stating, "At this point, I’m not even necessarily, this is not even about -- people say chasing a championship, it’s not that. It’s playing the right style of basketball is what I’m chasing." Despite his statement, George did not elaborate on what he means by playing the right style of basketball. Therefore, it remains ambiguous whether his decision is leaning in any particular direction at this point.
This raises the question: What team doesn’t play the right style of basketball according to its personnel? George’s cryptic comments leave much to speculation. He wasn’t going to say anything that would betray his offseason intentions.
Playing Style and Potential Fits
Kevin Durant once said he joined the Warriors because he wanted to play in their ball and player movement system. George might be thinking along similar lines. Generally, NBA teams are divided between those that move the ball and those that play a more heliocentric style, built around high-usage stars like Luka Doncic or Trae Young.
George has experience playing with James Harden on the Clippers, but Harden is no longer the completely ball-dominant player he was in his prime. Therefore, you can understand a player of George's caliber and age not wanting to stand around waiting for Luka or Trae to pass him the ball with seven seconds on the shot clock.
With the teams expected to be in the running for George’s services, which of them plays the wrong style? George is obviously fine with what the Clippers do. The 76ers, under Nick Nurse, play with more tempo and pace, built around Embiid as a hub and Maxey as a downhill attacker. The Orlando Magic would cater their offense to George because they don’t really have an offensive identity. However, while George is saying he’s not prioritizing a championship, it’s unlikely he would leave the Clippers for the Magic or the Houston Rockets.
Defensive Considerations
George has noted how tough the Celtics are because everyone on the court can defend and switch across multiple positions. He’s likely looking equally at the defensive makeup of his potential destinations. Orlando might look appealing if you add George’s offense to their roster, especially if he can uplift their defensive efforts as well.
You can try to narrow it down to the teams with cap space, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. Teams could maneuver their roster and salaries to make room for a player of George's caliber, particularly if he's willing to join their ranks.
Final Thoughts
Whatever George’s preferred style of play, he didn’t expand on it beyond his desire to "play the right way." This vague statement leaves much up for interpretation and doesn’t give much away about his summer intentions. For now, NBA fans and analysts will have to wait and see which team aligns most closely with George’s vision of the "right style of basketball."