This summer, the NBA’s free agency pool could boast a constellation of basketball luminaries, featuring the likes of Paul George, LeBron James, Klay Thompson, James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, and Jrue Holiday. However, George’s inclusion hinges on whether he and the Clippers ink a contract extension prior to the frenzy.
Amidst speculation surrounding George’s potential free agency, murmurs suggest that teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers are eyeing the All-Star forward. The Sixers, with a projected $50 million in cap space, and the Pacers, possessing the flexibility to retain Pascal Siakam while offering George a maximum contract, are seen as potential suitors. There’s even talk of forming a formidable trio led by Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana.
However, George dispelled these rumors following the Clippers’ victory over the Pistons, expressing his intention to remain with his hometown team in Los Angeles for the long haul. Having been drafted by the Pacers in 2011 and spending seven seasons in Indiana before a stint in Oklahoma City, the prospect of a reunion with his former team holds appeal. Yet, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, renowned for his deep pockets, is resolute in assembling a championship-caliber squad as the franchise prepares to transition to a new arena by the 2024–25 season.
In pursuit of this goal, the Clippers’ front office secured Kawhi Leonard’s services with a contract extension, signaling their intent to do the same with Harden and George later in the offseason. Such a move aligns with Ballmer’s ambitious vision, but it comes at a cost. With the team already hovering near the second tax apron, the prospect of a luxury tax bill exceeding $400 million looms large for the upcoming season.
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