NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers shopping Paul George ahead of NBA Draft?

NBA Trade Rumors: In what would be a colossal move, the LA Clippers are reportedly shopping Paul George ahead of the NBA Draft.

Since acquiring both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the LA Clippers have been a mainstay atop the Western Conference standings, for the most part. With the exception being when they’ve had to battle injuries. Despite the return to relevance in the Western Conference in the past few seasons, the Clippers have still been quite the disappointment.

When the duo was assembled roughly four years ago, the belief was that the Clippers could make a legit championship run. That hasn’t happened and the team has missed the playoffs entirely and lost in the first round in each of the last two seasons.

Because of their shortcomings, it’s only natural to open the possibility of what could be next for the team. Both Kawhi and PG have one year remaining on their contracts with the team and if the team was going to move on from both or either of them in the future, this would be the offseason to make such a decision.

Interstingly, after a quiet first couple of weeks into the offseason, the whispers surrounding the Clippers are rising. According to a recent report from Marc Stein, the Clippers are at the very least gauging the trade interest of PG around the league. At least that’s what the impression that LA is leaving in conversations in recent days.

Would the LA Clippers trade Paul George?

If this is in fact true, it would throw a wrench into the NBA Draft. If Paul George is available, it could completely turn the draft night on its head. And there would be an all-out bidding war for his services.

For all the Clippers’ struggles in recent years, PG has arguably been the most consistent star. He’s still one of the most dynamic two-way players in the league and could be an intriguing addition to multiple teams.

The Portland Trail Blazers, who own the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and are desperately looking for a star to place next to Damian Lillard, are one team that should be on the phone with the Clippers.

If PG is available for the right price, he’s a player that would seem like an ideal fit next to Lillard.

The next few days leading up to and after the NBA Draft were already going to be exciting. If PG is available for a trade, it could make for an even more entertaining rest of the week.