Report: Clippers Discussed Paul George Trade Scenarios

The Los Angeles Clippers still have not signed Paul George to an extension, leading to a volume of trade buzz surrounding the nine-time All-Star. In fact, as has now been revealed, the Clippers actually discussed trading George back in February around the NBA trade deadline. Per Sam Amick and Law Murray of The Athletic:

Only George knows how he truly sees his situation, but it’s worth remembering that the Clippers are known to have shown a willingness to discuss him in a select few trade scenarios heading into the February deadline. The internal calculus was different back then, of course, with the absence of a new deal with George leaving the Clippers concerned that they might ultimately lose him for nothing in return in free agency.

That "calculus" hasn't changed now, however, as PG, if he opts out of the final year of his contract at $48 million, can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st and leave the team for greener (as in money) pastures.

The team is still insisting that it intends to extend George, though the latest reports say that while he wants the max, the Clips are not inclined to give it to him, leading to a flurry of trade rumors. "According to league sources," wrote Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, "Los Angeles was unwilling to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension it gave to Kawhi Leonard.”

After signing head coach Ty Lue to a huge extension on Wednesday, the team reiterated, per Adrian Wojnarowski, that they have every intention of keeping both George and another key free agent. "The Clippers are determined to keep Paul George and James Harden in free agency, and the organization will move into the new, state-of-the-art Intuit Dome for the start of next season."

Certainly a busy—and expensive—summer ahead for Steve Ballmer and the Clippers.