Clippers' Top Options If Paul George Leaves in Free Agency After Rumored Opt out

The Los Angeles Clippers may have to prepare for the post-Paul George era.

The nine-time All-Star opted-out of his $48.7 million player option for 2024-25, which means he will hit unrestricted free agency when the period opens June 30.

While the Clippers should remain in the running for his services, the competition will be stiff and it will surely look to other solutions for keeping the team competitive.

Replacing George will not be easy. The 34-year-old averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 74 games for the Clippers in 2023-24. He helped Los Angeles go 51-31 and earn the No. 4 seed in the West, but the team would fall to the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round.

With teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets in the running for George, the Clippers need to prepare for the reality of not having him. Here are a few alternative routes the franchise could pursue.

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DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan may be one of the best value options. He will be an unrestricted free agent and will likely have similar suitors to George. He averaged 24 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 79 games for the Chicago Bulls in 2023-24, and would be an ideal replacement.

Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram could be a long-term solution, but the Clippers would need to utilize the trade market to get him and run the risk of losing him next Summer. He has one year remaining on his current deal and will then hit free agency, so the Clippers would likely aim for a sign-and-trade if possible.

He averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 64 games for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023-24. He could replace George's production while also leaving some room for growth.

Tobias Harris

If George goes to the 76ers, the Clippers could pursue the player he replaces. Tobias Harris is set to hit free agency and is expected to leave Philadelphia. He averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 70 games for the 76ers in 2023-24. While he is not necessarily up to George's standard, he would make sure that the Clippers get production out of the position.