LeBron's Lakers, Paul George, and the Potential for Change
Assuming LeBron James stays with the Lakers, the biggest free agent on the market this summer is Paul George. As an unrestricted free agent, George has the freedom to join any team that has the resources to accommodate him. Teams could either use their cap space or engage in a sign-and-trade with the Clippers if George indicates he's leaving regardless.
The Philadelphia 76ers' Interest
The Philadelphia 76ers have made it clear that George is their top target, and conveniently, they have the necessary max salary-cap space. Back in May, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reported that the Clippers are unwilling to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension they gave to Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers could offer George his full max of $221 million over four years, but if they don't, and the 76ers are willing to go that far, George might consider leaving Los Angeles for a chance to compete for a championship alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
George's Style of Play
Recently on his podcast, George mentioned that playing the right style of basketball is his primary focus. Although he didn't elaborate on what he means by "the right style of basketball," it’s a critical statement as he contemplates his future. George wasn't likely to reveal his summer plans, if he has even made a decision yet, but his comment leaves room for interpretation about what he values most in his next destination.
Kevin Durant once said he joined the Warriors because he wanted to play in their ball and player movement system, highlighting the differences in style and philosophy across the NBA. Generally accepted is the idea that teams either move the ball fluidly or play a more heliocentric style focused on high-usage stars like Luka Doncic or Trae Young. Having played with James Harden on the Clippers, George might not want to spend his remaining prime years standing around waiting for a ball-dominant player to pass him the ball with the shot clock ticking down.
Assessing the Team Fits
The teams expected to vie for George's services each have distinct playing styles. George has shown he's comfortable with the Clippers' approach, which involves a significant amount of ball movement and switching on defense. The Sixers, under Nick Nurse, also play a dynamic game with more tempo and pace, orchestrated around Embiid as a hub and Maxey as an aggressive downhill attacker.
The Orlando Magic, another potential suitor, would likely tailor their offense around George because they currently lack a strong offensive identity. However, despite George’s statement that he’s not strictly prioritizing a championship, it’s hard to imagine him leaving the Clippers for a team like the Magic or the Houston Rockets, who are still in the midst of rebuilding phases.
George has also noted the defensive prowess of teams like the Celtics, emphasizing their ability to switch and defend across multiple positions. This suggests he might be equally focused on the defensive capabilities of any potential team. Adding George's offense to a team like Orlando might make them more appealing, but their overall defensive makeup could be a deciding factor for him.
The Ambiguity of "Playing the Right Way"
While George has kept his cards close to his chest, his desire to "play the right way" remains somewhat ambiguous. It could mean a preference for a faster pace, more ball movement, or a combination of other factors he views as crucial. Ultimately, "I want to play the right way" is a non-committal way of expressing a priority that can be interpreted in various ways based on the team's personnel and strategic approach.
For now, the basketball world waits with bated breath to see where Paul George will choose to play next season. Will he join the 76ers for a chance at a deep playoff run, or stick with the comfort and familiarity of Los Angeles? Perhaps another team will step up with an offer that meets his demands both financially and stylistically. One thing is certain: George's next move will be pivotal not only for his career but for the NBA landscape as a whole.