Joe Lacob and the Golden State Warriors have had a disastrous couple of hours. First, they were forced to prepare for their franchise cornerstone, Klay Thompson’s exit in free agency. Then, even more crushing news hit them. The Warriors believed Paul George could form a new core alongside Stephen Curry & Draymond Green in the Bay Area. But George has now decided to snub them of an opportunity to talk terms in free agency, giving Lacob and the Warriors a bitter pill to swallow.
Paul George has been in the trade buzz ever since the Clippers got eliminated from playoff contention this past season. The 34-year-old’s looming contract extension took a devastating turn, eventually leading him to free agency. However, while the Warriors aggressively pursued the 9x All-Star for over a month, it has been reported that George is eying a stint with 2 Eastern Conference rivals if a deal with the Clippers doesn’t work out.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, George is set to take free agency meetings with the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and naturally the Clippers themselves. While Magic emerged as a surprise team, the Sixers have been reported to target the forward for several months. Although their interest was reported to be ‘waining’, George’s plans clearly seem to have Philadelphia in the mix.
ESPN Sources: Paul George is planning to take free agent meetings with the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic beginning late Sunday night and Monday on the West Coast. pic.twitter.com/8MMStVjTGk
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024