‘Blockbuster’ Trade Proposal Sends Clippers’ Paul George To Lakers

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Clippers:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Paul George, PF P.J. Tucker

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Austin Reaves, F Rui Hachimura, G D’Angelo Russell, F Jarred Vanderbilt, 2024 or 2025 first-round pick

George can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2024-25 player option worth $48.8 million. The Clippers have until June 30 to sign George to an extension. They signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $149 million extension in January.

In his trade proposal, Swartz has George requesting a trade to the Lakers. 

“With leverage since he can walk out the door and leave the Clippers with nothing, George should request a trade to the Lakers instead,” Swartz wrote. “The combination of LeBron James (who would be more likely to re-sign with the Lakers himself), Anthony Davis and George would become one of the best Big Threes in all of basketball, improving L.A.’s outside shooting and overall defense in the process.

“The Lakers would still have first-round picks in 2029 and 2031 to try to fill in the roster around their stars. Trading George isn’t the Clippers’ first choice (especially not to the Lakers), but it would be far better than seeing the nine-time All-Star leave in free agency with nothing in return.”

George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Clippers this season while shooting 47.1% from the floor, 41.3% from beyond the arc and 90.7% from the free-throw line. 

The Clippers lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in six games.

Meanwhile, the Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in five games. 

George has career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Clippers. He has never been to the NBA Finals. 

The Lakers would have a “Big 3” of LeBron, Davis and George if their front office figured out a way to acquire George from the Clippers.