Finding a means to quickly regain their status as a Western Conference contender is a top priority for the Golden State Warriors. As Klay Thompson and Chris Paul approach their upcoming free agency, Golden State may pursue Paul George, as reported by Brett Seigel.

It is fascinating to see Paul George’s predicament with the Clippers. If the Clippers refuse to give George the amount he demands, a team from the Western Conference might be interested in acquiring him. In the event that Klay Thompson decides to depart, you should closely monitor the Warriors’ actions about George.

While playing with the Clippers last year, George averaged 22.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 3.5 assist per game. The market is reportedly waiting for George to make a decision before moving forward, since he is widely considered to be the most sought-after free agent. George must turn down his $48.7 million player option before he can even enter free agency.

Last seasоn, Klay averaged 17.9 pоints, 3.3 rebоunds, and 2.3 assists. Althоugh his perfоrmance was belоw expectatiоns cоmpared tо his priоr years, it is nоnetheless remarkable fоr an оffensive piece that is used in a rоtatiоn.

Klay needed more from the Warriors, but if he can replicate last year’s performance—despite shooting just 38.5% from beyond the arc instead of his typical 40+%—many clubs interested in acquiring him this summer will be overjoyed.

Instead, Paul George might try to impose a trade.George has the opportunity to trade away from the Clippers if he exercises his player option, which is worth $48.7 million. If George were to sign with any team, it would be easier for them to re-sign him next summer since they would be able to keep his Bird rights and go over the salary ceiling. The previous two seasons have also shown the effectiveness of this tactic.

In the 2022 summer, Kyrie Irving chose to exercise his player option rather than wait for the franchise to move him before he could enter free agency. Since he wasn’t available on the free market, Irving remained quietly with the club until 2023, when he was moved to the Mavericks. He then re-signed on a three-year, $120 million deal.

Last year, James Harden took use of a player option after openly requesting a trade from Daryl Morey and labeling him a liar at an Adidas event in China. Even he benefited from this; the Clippers acquired Harden in a transaction that allowed him to pursue a contract extension with the team this summer.

George may follow Harden’s lead and try to get a trade done before October ends, or he could do what Kyrie did and wait until February to get dealt.

The Philadelphia 76ers were widely believed to be interested in acquiring George, but new information suggests they will be shifting their emphasis to other players. One team that George has brought up in conversation is the Dallas Mavericks.