The Summer's Biggest NBA Free Agent: Paul George
Assuming LeBron James remains with the Lakers, the biggest free agent on the market this summer is undoubtably Paul George. As an unrestricted free agent, George can join any team capable of accommodating his contract, whether through cap space or a sign-and-trade deal with the Clippers.
The Philadelphia 76ers' Pursuit
The Philadelphia 76ers have made it clear that George is their top target. Conveniently, they possess max salary-cap space, making them a strong contender. In May, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Clippers are reluctant to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension previously given to Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers can offer George a full max deal of $221 million over four years, but if they are unwilling to make that commitment and the 76ers are, George might be tempted to leave Los Angeles for a championship run alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
George himself has expressed that "playing the right style of basketball" is what he is truly chasing, although he did not elaborate on what that means. It was the last statement he made on the matter before signing off his podcast. This ambiguity adds another layer of intrigue to his potential summer decision.
Playing Style Considerations
Kevin Durant once said he joined the Warriors to play in their ball and player movement system. This highlights a significant aspect of George's decision: the style of play. Differences in playing style across teams often boil down to personnel and coaching philosophies. Generally, teams can be categorized into those that prioritize ball movement and those that operate around high-usage stars like Luka Doncic or Trae Young.
George has previously played alongside James Harden with the Clippers, but Harden is no longer the ball-dominant player he was in his prime. Given his caliber and age, George likely has little interest in standing around waiting for players like Luka or Trae to pass him the ball with seven seconds left on the shot clock.
The Right Fit for George
Given the teams expected to pursue George, which of them fits or doesn't fit his desired style of play remains an open question. He appears comfortable with the Clippers' approach, and the Sixers, under Nick Nurse, play with greater tempo and pace, using Embiid as a central figure and Maxey as a downhill attacker.
The Orlando Magic, on the other hand, would likely tailor their offense around George due to their lack of a clear offensive identity. Despite this, it seems improbable that George would choose the Magic or the Houston Rockets, given his stated focus. While not explicitly prioritizing a championship, George is unlikely to move to a team without the potential to compete at a high level.
Moreover, George has commented on the defensive prowess of the Boston Celtics, noting their ability to switch and defend across multiple positions. This suggests he would also be considering the defensive strengths of any potential team.
Orlando could seem appealing if George's offensive impact were added to their roster. The reality is, cap space alone won't dictate his decision. Where there's a will, there's a way, and teams can get creative with their roster and contract management.
Conclusion
Ultimately, George's true preferences remain shrouded in his vague public statements. "I want to play the right way" is a neutral proclamation that offers little insight into his specific desires. As the summer unfolds and free agency begins, all eyes will be on George to see where he will ultimately land and what style of basketball he considers as "right." Whether it's with the Clippers, the 76ers, or another team, this decision will undoubtedly have significant ramifications for wherever he goes and the broader NBA landscape.