Paul George leaving Clippers after talks fall through
Sun Jun 30 8:57pm ET
Field Level Media
The Los Angeles Clippers announced Sunday night that Paul George is leaving the team in free agency.
George's decision was not a surprise after reports emerged Saturday that he had opted out of his contract with Los Angeles, which would have paid him $48.8 million next season. The Athletic reported Saturday night that George planned to speak with the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Clippers when free agency opened.
Calling George "a tremendous talent and an elite two-way player," the Clippers commented on his decision in a team statement Sunday, saying there was a "significant" gap in talks between the two sides.
"We traded a lot to pair Paul and Kawhi (Leonard), and in exchange, we had five seasons of contention. Even though we fell short of our ultimate objective, we appreciate the chances we had with Paul," the statement read.
"Heading into this offseason, our roster was constructed (with) three great players 33 and over, two of whom could become free agents. We wanted to retain them on contracts that would allow us, under the constraints of the new CBA, to continue building the team.
"We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart. The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul's decision to look elsewhere for his next contract. We explored an opt-in and trade scenario, but it would have left us in a similar position under the new CBA, with very little asset value to justify the restrictions."
George is the biggest NBA star to hit free agency this summer other than LeBron James, who is expected to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a new deal after opting out this weekend.
The 34-year-old George is a nine-time All-Star, including three times (2021, 2023 and 2024) during his five-year stay with the Clippers. In 2023-24, he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting a career-high 41.3 percent from 3-point range in 74 games (all starts).
In 867 career games (819 starts) with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Clippers, George has averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
He was injury-prone for much of his time with the Clippers. George played 48, 54, 31 and 56 games in his first four seasons with the team.
As for Los Angeles, which reached one Western Conference Finals in five seasons with Leonard and George together, the team's statement said it "will miss Paul" while promising to "field a highly competitive team this season, and moving forward."
- 76ers All-Stars Joel Embiid, Paul George practice, still not game-ready
- Pelicans' CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones nursing injuries
- NBA roundup: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama tallies 5x5 vs. Jazz
- Magic’s Paolo Banchero out indefinitely with oblique injury
- NBA roundup: Pascal Siakam's 3 pushes Pacers past Celtics in OT
- Lakers' LeBron James (illness) probable in return to Cleveland
- Raptors' Scottie Barnes has orbital bone fracture, out 3 weeks
- Bulls G Lonzo Ball (wrist) sidelined at least 10 days
- NBA roundup: Nuggets outlast Nets for 2nd straight OT win
- Jazz F Lauri Markkanen (back) listed as day-to-day
- Bulls G Lonzo Ball (wrist) out at least four games
- Hawks G Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) out at least a month
- Warriors F Andrew Wiggins (back) out vs. Pelicans
- 76ers fined $100k for misleading statements on Joel Embiid status
- Raptors exercise options for Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick
- Lakers C Christian Koloko cleared to return
- Rudy Gay retires after 17 seasons with five NBA teams
- NBA roundup: Magic's Paolo Banchero pours in 50 vs. Pacers
- Jazz F Taylor Hendricks fractures fibula, dislocates ankle
- 76ers' Joel Embiid hit with postgame tech for free throw distraction
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (back) won't play on Saturday against Houston due to inflammation in his lower back. It will be the third consecutive game he will miss. Melton has played in three games this season after he was limited to 38 contests with the 76ers last season because of a back injury. WithStephen Curry(ankle) also out Saturday, Lindy Waters and Moses Moody will likely see more action.
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) was diagnosed with left plantar fasciitis. He will be re-evaluated in one week. Utah's injury report continues to grow heading into Saturday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets, with Lauri Markkanen (back) listed as doubtful. Collin Sexton (finger) also suffered an avulsion fracture in Thursday's game against the Spurs, although he will continue to play "as tolerated." Without Markkanen and Clarkson on the floor, Utah will rely on Sexton, John Collins, and Keyonte George primarily on the offensive end. As a result, all three players could exceed expectations while Markkanen and Clarkson are sidelined.
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (groin) won't play on Saturday versus the Heat. This will mark the veteran's second consecutive absence because of a groin strain suffered in Monday's game against Atlanta. Kyshawn George entered the starting lineup for Wednesday's win over the Atlanta Hawks, the second of back-to-back games with the club, finishing with 11 points, four assists, and three steals. While George still has a lot to prove, he's worth monitoring in case he continues to play well. But as far as Saturday's contest is concerned, Bilal Coulibaly and Jordan Poole are the players anticipated to benefit the most from Kuzma's absence. Corey Kispert, coming off a 16-point showing on Wednesday, can also be added to fantasy lineups.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (concussion) won't return to Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He struggled throughout the contest, amassing only six points while shooting 2-for-7 from the field (0-for-3 from deep). Unfortunately, a collision with Julius Randle landed Murray in concussion protocol, ending his night abruptly. The 27-year-old has an extensive injury history, meaning the Nuggets will likely play it safe even if further testing brings positive results. As a result, Murray probably won't be out there for Saturday's game against the Jazz, likely resulting in Russell Westbrook sliding into the starting lineup.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable heading into Saturday's game against the Cavaliers. The multi-time All-Star has carried an injury designation for right patella tendinitis before all of Milwaukee's games this season. However, the ailment hasn't kept him off the floor. Antetokounmpo has averaged 30.4 point, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. Yet, he hasn't made a shot from deep. Fortunately, the 29-year-old has shot a career-high 65.6% from the field, so that will help lessen the blow for category managers.
New York Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns is available and starting for the Knicks on Friday in their matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Towns was originally listed as questionable with a wrist injury but will be able to play through the pain. The 28-year-old will have a tough matchup against the Pistons who have been strong defensively against forwards. Towns has been sporadic in his offensive production so far, posting up point totals of 12, 21, 13 and 44 on the season. He's providing much more consistency from a rebounding perspective, averaging 11.3 RPG. Fantasy managers will certainly still want him in their starting lineups no matter what. DFS managers may want to take caution with adding him in their lineups given the volatility of tonight's matchup.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (ankle) is ruled out for Saturday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. Curry will miss his third game in a row due to a left ankle strain he suffered against the Clippers on Sunday. Given that it is so early in the season, the Warriors are likely not rushing the 36-year-old back. With the sharpshooter out, Brandin Podziemski could see more playing time, or Andrew Wiggins (back), who is probable for Saturday's contest.
New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis (ankle) is on track to play Friday against the Indiana Pacers, according to head coach Willie Green. The 32-year-old exited early in Wednesday's loss to Golden State with a right ankle issue, but it appears he'll be able to suit up without any missed time. Over his first five games of the season, Theis has averaged 4.0 points and 4.4 rebounds as a reliable role player. Expect him to resume his usual role barring any last-minute setbacks.
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (rest) won't play on Friday against Charlotte. Horford has averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals this season. He's also shot 60.0% from behind the arc. But the veteran will take the night off before presumably suiting up for the rematch with the Hornets on Saturday. With that said, Luke Kornet will likely take over at the five and is worth starting in all fantasy formats. Xavier Tillman Sr. and Neemias Queta will also draw value attention from DFS participants.
Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (back) will play against the Raptors on Friday night. He continues to battle back soreness. However, it hasn't cost him any games yet this season. Unfortunately, Russell has struggled in the Lakers' five games, averaging 10.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 25.0% shooting from behind the arc. He should break out of his funk at some point. But until then, fantasy managers may want to consider keeping Russell on the bench.
Golden State Warriors forwardAndrew Wiggins(back) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Wiggins has missed two consecutive contests with a lower back strain. If the 29-year-old can go, he will provide a spark to the Warriors' rotation, as Stephen Curry(ankle) andDe'Anthony Melton(back) will be sidelined on Saturday once again. Moses Moody,Brandin Podziemski, andJonathan Kumingawill take on extra minutes if Wiggins cannot suit up.
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (hip) will play on Friday versus Toronto. Davis' appearance on the injury report is nothing new for fantasy managers. However, he was listed as probable, so the latest update confirms what most had anticipated. The 31-year-old is having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 30.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.6 steals. Of course, fantasy managers should keep him starting. Yet, Davis may exceed production in a favorable matchup with the Raptors.
Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (foot) has been listed as questionable for Friday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bitadze is dealing with a tendon strain in his left foot that has kept him out of Orlando's last two games. His potential absence likely won't affect much of Orlando's gameplan as the 25-year-old had yet to play more than seven minutes in any of the three games he's played in. If Bitadze is able to play his presence likely won't provide an fantasy value. Fantasy managers looking for an option at center off Orlando's bench should look towards the much more reliable Moritz Wagner, who's averaging 11 PPG and 4.4 RPG in just over 15 minutes per game.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (shoulder) will play on Friday versus the Brooklyn Nets. The veteran was questionable because of an AC joint sprain. However, he'll be out there for the Bulls. LaVine has played well this season, averaging 23.0 points, 6.4 boards, and 2.8 assists. He's also shot a career-high 43.6% from deep. With that said, LaVine should be featured in all fantasy starting lineups.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced Friday that guardCJ McCollum(adductor) has a right adductor strain and will miss at least 2-3 weeks. McCollum had already been listed as unavailable for Friday's contest with the Indiana Pacers. With the 33-year-old likely out until mid-November, Jose Alvarado will likely take his place in the starting five. DFS managers should remember that Alvarado will be a great value pick moving forward while McCollum is sidelined.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) won't suit up on Friday versus the Los Angeles Lakers. The 25-year-old last played in the opener versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, he exited that one after a fall and has been on the shelf since because of a pelvic contusion. Fortunately, Quickley is making progress. Yet, he'll also probably miss Saturday's meeting with the Kings. With Quickley out of the equation, Davion Mitchell, averaging 8.8 points, 7.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in four starts, is worth rostering in most fantasy setups, although category participants won't appreciate his 31.3% shooting from deep.
Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black will start on Friday versus the undefeated Cavaliers. With Paolo Banchero (oblique) sidelined, Black will get his chance to roll with the first five. The 20-year-old has shown signs of promise in his second year in the National Basketball Association, averaging 8.4 points, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 44.4% shooting from behind the arc. Naturally, Franz Wagner (illness), Jalen Suggs, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are expected to do most of the heavy lifting on the offensive end. However, Black warrants fantasy consideration in deeper formats. He'll also draw value interest from DFS managers.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced Friday that forwardHerbert Jones(shoulder) sustained a right shoulder strain and a small low-grade partial-thickness tear in his rotator cuff. His recovery timeframe is approximately 2-4 weeks. Jones's return to play will be based on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation. The absence of Jones should mean thatJordan Hawkins will continue to see more minutes. On Wednesday, Hawkins posted 23 points with four rebounds in 38 minutes. He will likely see an uptick in playing time against the Pacers on Friday with Jones sidelined.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (illness) will play on Friday versus the undefeated Cavaliers. The 23-year-old has been under the weather, forcing his premature exit in the Magic's previous two contests. Hopefully, he'll see his usual workload against Cleveland. If that's the case, Wagner could finish the game as Orlando's highest scorer, considering Paolo Banchero (oblique) is on the shelf.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Desmond Bane (oblique) won't play on Saturday against the 76ers. Bane suffered an oblique strain in Wednesday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets and didn't play on Thursday versus the visiting Bucks. Marcus Smart (ankle) was also sidelined for that one, opening the door for Jaylen Wells and Santi Aldama to enter the starting lineup and finish the night by combining for 35 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jake LaRavia also received more work from off the bench, with the duo combining for 27 points. As long as Smart and Bane remain on the shelf, Aldama, LaRavia, Pippen, and Wells are all worth considering for fantasy lineups. Of course, Ja Morant, who had a triple-double on Thursday, will likely continue to lead the way offensively.
