Paul George: The Biggest Free Agent Decision of the Summer
Assuming LeBron James remains with the Lakers, the biggest free agent on the market this summer is undoubtedly Paul George. As an unrestricted free agent, George holds the power to choose any team that has the resources to add him, whether through cap space or a sign-and-trade with the Clippers if he makes his intensions clear about leaving.
The Sixers' Pursuit of Paul George
The Philadelphia 76ers have been open about their desire to acquire George, and fortunately for them, they possess the necessary max salary-cap space. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Clippers are hesitant to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension they gave Kawhi Leonard.
While the Clippers have the capacity to offer George a full max of $221 million over four years, if they choose not to do so and the 76ers present a more lucrative offer, George might be tempted to leave Los Angeles in pursuit of a championship alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
On his podcast, George mentioned that playing the right style of basketball is his primary goal. He did not elaborate on what exactly he meant by "the right style of basketball," leaving fans and analysts alike speculating. Despite this cryptic comment, it is clear George is not ready to reveal his summer intentions just yet.
Comparing Styles of Play
Kevin Durant once said he joined the Warriors because of their ball and player movement system. There are some similarities in team styles across the NBA, usually based on individual personnel.
Generally, teams can be divided into those that focus on ball movement and those that operate around high-usage stars like Luka Doncic or Trae Young. George has previously played with James Harden on the Clippers, though Harden is no longer the ball-dominant player he once was. Given George's caliber and age, it is understandable that he might not want to spend his time waiting for a pass with seven seconds left on the shot clock in a more heliocentric system.
The question then arises, which teams in the running for George would play the "wrong style" of basketball? George seems to be comfortable with the Clippers' style. However, the Sixers under Nick Nurse operate with more tempo and pace, focusing on Embiid as a hub and Maxey as a downhill attacker. The Orlando Magic, lacking a clear offensive identity, would likely tailor their system around George.
Championship Aspirations
Despite George stating that he is not prioritizing a championship, it seems unlikely he would leave the Clippers for teams like the Magic or the Houston Rockets. George has also noted the defensive strengths of the Celtics, where every player on the court can defend and switch across multiple positions. This defensive versatility might be something George is considering as he evaluates his potential destinations.
While Orlando could look appealing with George's offensive contributions, defensive capabilities will likely be as crucial in his decision-making process. Although it is tempting to narrow down the list of potential teams to those with cap space, where there's a will, there's often a way in the NBA, especially for a player of George's standing.
Conclusion
Paul George's free agency decision is one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer. His emphasis on playing the "right style of basketball" adds an enigmatic element to his potential choices. While he has not provided a clear definition of what that style is, his comments suggest that a balanced, defensively robust, and free-flowing offensive system might be his preference.
The Philadelphia 76ers seem to be in a strong position to lure George away from Los Angeles, but only time will tell whether they can meet his criteria for the right style of play. Until then, the NBA community will be eagerly watching for any hints or statements that might reveal George's next move.