Paul George Rumors: 'Growing Feeling' Star Opts into Clippers Contract, Forces Trade

There is reportedly a "growing feeling" around the league that Paul George will opt into his Los Angeles Clippers contract and force a trade this offseason, per NBA insider Marc Stein:

"There is a growing feeling leaguewide that the 34-year-old picking up his $48.8 million player option for next season to force the Clippers to trade him is an increasingly realistic scenario after months of fruitless contract extension negotiations between the parties.

"The Clippers appear unwilling to offer a richer deal to George than Kawhi Leonard received in January ($150 million-ish over three seasons) and that has encouraged teams out there to make trade pitches for the All-NBA swingman."

Stein also reported that "we very well could see" George opt into his contract to force a trade before the start of free agency on Sunday.

The 34-year-old can either pick up the $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season or opt out to test the free-agency market. He has until June 29 to make that decision.

Though we are still a little under a week away from the start of free agency, George has already been linked to a possible suitor. The New York Knicks are reportedly viewed as a team willing to trade for the veteran.

The No. 2 team in the East was a game away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this season and adding George would make them a force to be reckoned with next year.

The Knicks are clearly in win-now mode, so they might be willing to give up a handful of pieces to add another star to the roster.

And that could be favorable for the Clippers, whose future would be a bit uncertain if George wants out.

Los Angeles seemed to be a potential Finals contender last season but faced a first-round exit against the Dallas Mavericks, bringing up questions of how capable the current roster actually is.

The Clippers essentially have their Finals hopes sitting in the hands of aging stars, and one of those could be on their way out this offseason. If George isn't in L.A. next season, it could be time to transition to a rebuild.

Meanwhile, George is looking to add a championship to his resume before the end of his career. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists during the 2023-24 season.