In a move that could have seen Paul George leave Los Angeles Clippers in a sign-and-trade deal, the Golden State Warriors were reportedly interested in acquiring him for Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins. This potential exchange could have been a major shake-up for both teams, as George’s departure would have paved the way for new talent to come in.
“They didn’t want to do that, perhaps due to the hefty $30 million salary that would’ve been owed to Paul,” said a source close to the situation. Wiggins’ contract was also a topic of discussion, with doubts arising about whether he was truly living up to his salary considering his lack of availability and on-court performance.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding George’s future with the Clippers, the team may have to look internally to fill the void if he does indeed depart. While there are talks of potentially bringing in DeMar DeRozan as a replacement, nothing is set in stone. Los Angeles may need to assess the talent they already have under contract and strategize accordingly.
Looking back at the 2023-24 season, James Harden played a pivotal role for the Clippers, averaging 16.6 points and 8.5 assists per game. Despite being the third option behind George and Kawhi Leonard, Harden’s contributions were crucial in maintaining team chemistry. His willingness to sacrifice individual numbers for the greater good was admirable, and now he may have the opportunity to step up and take on a larger role.
“With a career scoring average of 24.1 points per game, it may be time for Harden to get in his bag,” remarked one NBA analyst. As the Clippers look to fill the scoring gap left by George’s potential departure, Harden could be the key to their success. By returning to his normal form and embracing his role as the starting point guard, he has the chance to make a significant impact on the team’s offensive output.
Another player who could see an increased role with George’s potential exit is Norman Powell. With a reputation as a versatile two-way player, Powell has the skill set to step up and contribute more offensively. Promoting him to the starting lineup could provide the Clippers with a valuable scoring option and add depth to their roster.
As the Clippers weigh their options and prepare for a possible lineup change, the potential departure of Paul George could lead to a shift in team dynamics. Whether they choose to look for external replacements or develop talent from within, the future of the team hangs in the balance. With James Harden and Norman Powell waiting in the wings, the Clippers may have the pieces they need to keep their championship aspirations alive.
