According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Paul George was “intrigued” about possibly leaving the Los Angeles Clippers this summer for the Indiana Pacers to play with Tyrese Haliburton.
George can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Clippers.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers would have pursued George this summer if the All-Star declined his 2024-25 player option. However, George is expected to sign an in-season contract extension with LAC after Kawhi Leonard signed a three-year, $150 million extension last week.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
“George’s free agency had the potential to be one of next summer’s most interesting storylines with both Philadelphia and PG-13’s old friends in Indiana believed to be interested in pursuing him,” Stein wrote. “The rising expectation across the league now, of course, is that George will do a new Kawhi-esque deal with the Clippers sooner rather than later.”
Players around the NBA want to play for the Pacers because of Haliburton, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Pascal Siakam wanted the Toronto Raptors to trade him to the Pacers because of Haliburton and the swingman got his wish.
Haliburton is averaging 23.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 12.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks this season while shooting 49.7% from the field, 40.3% from beyond the arc and 86.8% from the free-throw line. The 23-year-old is first in the NBA in assists per game and second in total assists.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
George, who began his career with the Pacers, is making $45.6 million this season. He will likely sign an extension with the Clippers soon. The future Hall of Famer is averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.3 blocks this season while shooting 46.8% from the floor, 42.1% from 3 and 91.1% from the foul line.
The Pacers are 24-17. They are in seventh place in the East. Meanwhile, the Clippers are 26-14. They are in fourth place in the West.
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