Rockets eye Paul George, but unlikely to land him

After signing Leonard to a three-year, $153 million extension during the season, that mark essentially set the standard for the Clippers in future negotiations with George, who the organization views as the team’s second-best player behind a healthy Leonard. However, George is expected to command maximum contract offers from other teams on the free agent market, which puts the Clippers in a pickle. The franchise doesn’t want to upset Leonard, who took less than the maximum amount to extend with the Clippers but could lose George in the process if the organization doesn’t improve its current offer. -via HoopsHype / June 24, 2024

Despite a recent report that Philadelphia’s interest in Paul George has cooled amid uncertainty about whether he’d go across the country and sign with Philadelphia in free agency, there remains significant interest from the 76ers in signing him as a free agent, league sources told HoopsHype. -via HoopsHype / June 24, 2024

But which team would be the best landing spot for George if he decides to become a free agent? Former NBA player Udonis Haslem believes the Philadelphia 76ers would be a great fit for George. “I gotta say the Philadelphia 76ers. They were at the bottom of the league in catch-and-shoot 3s, Paul George made about 145 catch-and-shoot 3s last year,” Haslem said on Get Up. “He’s a guy who can go 1-on-1. Joel Embiid’s skills can allow him to space the floor and shoot some 3s. I think he helps them. I also envision a pick-and-roll with Paul George and Joel Embiid.” -via BasketNews / June 24, 2024