One of the biggest NBA off-season pendulum swings is the destination of Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George. Should he choose to decline his player option this summer, PG13 has the ability to shift the power balance in the Association.
Where could Paul George end up? More importantly, how can you beat the books and profit on it? Explore all of Paul George's next team odds and my best bet below.
Paul George Next Team Odds 2024-25
Team | Odds |
---|---|
Los Angeles Clippers | -270 |
Philadelphia 76ers | +700 |
Orlando Magic | +800 |
Los Angeles Lakers | +1500 |
New Orleans Pelicans | +2000 |
Miami Heat | +2000 |
New York Knicks | +2000 |
Oklahoma City Thunder | +2500 |
Phoenix Suns | +3000 |
Chicago Bulls | +4000 |
San Antonio Spurs | +4000 |
Odds as of May 23
Why Paul George Will Opt-Out
A 14-year NBA veteran, George is certain to opt-out of his $48-million player option for the 2024-25 season.
He's eligible to sign a four-year, nearly $221-million extension that would take him through his age-38 season. The seven-million dollar per year raise in and of itself is enough to make anyone look elsewhere for employment.
Additonally, George is almost 35. His health hasn't been stellar since a devastating tibia-fibula fracture in 2014. Despite the presence of PG13, Kawhi Leonard and now James Harden, the Clippers have yet to come close to contending in the NBA playoffs during his five seasons back in Southern California.
The timing and betting odds are ripe for change.
Clippers Conundrum
With both George and James Harden eligible for extensions this off-season, the Clippers are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Does General Manager Trent Redden really want to anchor his tenure to what remains of the tail end of Harden, George and Kawhi Leonard's careers? Blatantly, the right answer is no. Thus, the Clippers hesitancy to extend PG13 at any time this season.
Friday with 13 🎬
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 17, 2024
'23-24 Season Recap: Paul George pic.twitter.com/zc3a7gfo25
If Redden were to extend the two aging superstars to anywhere close to max salary, Los Angeles would immediately enter salary cap hell. Deals for both George and Harden would almost certainly see the Clippers surpass the close to $190-million second apron.
On one hand, owner Steve Ball undoubtedly wants to sell season tickets and luxury boxes in his new arena. On the other, the Clips could fall into years of purgatory, with the second apron hampering their roster building ability. Los Angeles would be restricted from using the mid-level exception in free agency, as well as lose the ability to take back more salary than they dispatch in any future trades. Are the carcasses of these three former MVP-level players really worth it?
Theoretically, the Clippers ceiling with the three aging superstars in tow is another two to three years of semi-contention. Should they stay healthy, a big if (George, Harden and Kawhi Leonard have combined to miss 421 games in the past five seasons), Los Angeles would remain in Western Conference conversation. But, the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder arguably surpassed the Clippers this season, and each of those teams possess much higher ceilings moving forward. On top of that, the 2023 NBA Champion Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers still exist.
This triumvirate isn't getting any younger. They aren't about to pull a Benjamin Button. With so many young, hungry contenders out for blood in the West, the odds of the Clippers winning an NBA Championship in the near future aren't pretty. All this to say, Paul George will likely test the market and see if the grass is truly greener on the other side.
Paul George Next Team Best Bet
George knocked down a career high 41.3% of three-pointers this season, which has to have Philadelphia 76ers GM Daryl Morey salivating. While he's not the elite defender he once was, PG still has the size to battle with and disrupt the top wing players in the game. Furthermore, his ability to create his own shot and close games in the fourth quarter would fit seamlessly next to the emerging game of Tyrese Maxey and dominance of Joel Embiid.
76ers believe they have a “real chance” to sign Paul George this offseason; per @KevinOConnorNBA
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) May 22, 2024
“Talking with people around the league, they think there’s a real chance he ends up leaving [the Clippers]. No guarantees, but there’s a chance of it.”
[via Bill Simmons Podcast /… pic.twitter.com/5dliR5ljUZ
The nine-time NBA All-Star has never played in an NBA Finals game in his career, and the presence of Embiid, Maxey and George would make Philly instant Eastern Conference favorites. He can slot right in to Tobias Harris' minutes and have an immediate impact on the 76ers squad. Philadelphia gives Playoff P the best chance to win, and at +700 odds are your best bet as Paul George's next team.