The Warriors nearly made a huge splash Saturday ahead of Paul George’s deadline to decide on his player option, as Golden State was on the “verge of landing” the nine-time All-Star in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, sources told The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami.
Golden State would’ve reportedly given George a four-year, $221-million max extension upon his arrival.
Veterans Steph Curry and Draymond Green were “100% on board” with Golden State acquiring George, per Kawakami.
The Warriors made the Clippers offers involving some combination of Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, and a first-round draft pick, Kawakami adds. Golden State reportedly believed it proposed multiple trades that L.A. could and would accept.
Golden State recently blocked Wiggins from attending the Canadian national team’s training camp ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics while reportedly exploring trade options for the 29-year-old. Wiggins’ three-year, $84-million contract would’ve likely been the bedrock of any deal between the Warriors and Clippers.
The Warriors also moved Chris Paul’s deadline to guarantee his $30-million salary for next season from Friday to Sunday, giving the franchise time to include him in a trade, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski Friday.
Ultimately, George didn’t exercise his $48.7-million player option Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The decision will make George an unrestricted free agent and rule out any potential sign-and-trade option for the Warriors. Golden State will also likely be excluded from the George sweepstakes in free agency since the club has little cap room.
George is meeting with the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers after Sunday’s 6 p.m. ET negotiating window opens, sources told The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Golden State is reportedly losing franchise legend Klay Thompson in free agency after the two sides failed to agree on a new deal.
The Warriors can still offer Paul’s contract in a trade and could release the 39-year-old to get under the tax apron if nothing arises.
