NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 teams that should be chasing Paul George
By John Buhler
Los Angeles Clippers
West, Pacific
If George wants to play for a dark horse championship contender in 2017-18, he may want to be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. While even getting to the second round of the Western Conference Playoffs is a challenge for the Clippers, they do have Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, two of the very best at their respective positions in basketball.
Los Angeles has found a stop-gap player out on the wing at the three in Luc Mbah A Moute, but has never been overly explosive at small forward in the Doc Rivers era. J.J. Redick has been a solid player at the two-guard for the Clippers these last few years, but he will be hitting free agency this summer.
In short if the Clippers want George, they must orchestrate a sign-and-trade with Blake Griffin going Indiana’s way. Griffin may not have a ton of interest in playing in a small market like Indianapolis, but him in the Eastern Conference would amplify his shot at winning an NBA title. He and Paul just aren’t going to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy together in Los Angeles.
Like it would be with the Trail Blazers, George to the Clippers would give Los Angeles great balance at one, three and five in their starting lineup. Jordan has his limitations offensively, but he, Paul and George could form a great defensive corps in Los Angeles.
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Beating the division rival Golden State Warriors would still be tough sledding for the Clippers with George, but it’s more of a fair fight with him in the ring than Griffin. A Griffin for George based deal could improve both Indiana’s and Los Angeles’ chances of winning multiple playoff series. George could help bring another championship to Los Angeles, just not for the team he grew up cheering for in Palmdale.