NBA trade rumors: Clippers interested in potential Paul George deal
By Trey Daubert
The Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly entered the Paul George sweepstakes. Do they have the pieces to entice the Pacers on a potential trade?
The big three of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan isn’t working, we know that much. The Clippers appear interested in trying to mix things up as the team has still never made a Conference Finals appearance in the history of their franchise. With Paul George adamant about playing in Los Angeles, the Clippers have appeared as a plausible trade partner.
Sean Deveny of Sporting News has reported that the Clippers are very much interested in a potential Paul George deal.
"“But the Pacers could, too, wait until after July 1 on a deal, if their best course of action involves a sign-and-trade. That, at least, gives the Pacers the chance to widen their base of possible George trade targets. Among them, league sources told Sporting News, are the Clippers, who have three significant free agents — Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and J.J. Redick — and are desperate to add a player who could change their perennial postseason disappointment. The Clippers have expressed interest in George.”"
A potential sign-and-trade deal could feature Blake Griffin who isn’t a perfect fit in the Clippers offense anyway. Dealing Griffin or DeAndre Jordan is the only logical way LA could fit George into a deal for cap reasons. With CP3, Blake, and Redick going through an impending free agency, it’s now or never for the Clippers to cash in on a potential franchise-altering move.
Deveny also adds that the current asking price is two first-round picks and an additional player. The Clippers don’t have many draft assets to work with. That same sentiment also holds true for the Cavaliers as both teams do not hold 2017 first round picks. Indiana must decide if they prefer to add draft capital or a potential All-Star level player in return in a prospective trade package.
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George, an LA native, wants to play for the Lakers. However, if the Clippers swoop in on a deal, George may be comfortable playing in Los Angeles for the Clippers. With the Clips entering trade discussions, the Lakers may be forced to ultimately trade for Paul George.