NBA Rumors: Clippers, Paul George, Spurs, Blazers

Clippers

What happens next with star forward Paul George is likely to determine the rest of the market this summer, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, via the Pat McAfee Show.

“Windhorst detailed that the LA Clippers star swingman could opt out of the final year of his current deal to become an unrestricted free agent,” ESPN wrote. “The two teams that have an interest in George are the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic. Both were eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, have the salary cap space and the need for an additional playmaker like George.”

Along with that, Windhorst added that George and the Clippers are not on the same page in contract talks and that George could also opt into his contract and get traded to a team of his choice.

Spurs

The Spurs are aiming to “up the ante” and try to get Victor Wembanyama to the playoffs, and this may be their chance to swing for the fences, per Jeremy Woo of ESPN.

The Spurs own the Nos. 4 and 8 picks in the 2024 NBA Draft (as well as Nos. 35 and 48 in the second round.

“The Spurs need to upgrade in the backcourt, with Stephon Castle looking like a top option, but they have needs everywhere and should be aiming to find the right pair of prospects to work in tandem,’ Woo wrote. “Expect them to also look into trade opportunities, whether there’s a chance to move back and still grab a prospect they like, or they deem it worth considering assets to move up instead.”

• Meanwhile, San Antonio is expected to pursue point guard Darius Garland should the Cavaliers make Garland available, as we relayed here.

Trail Blazers

The Blazers have plenty of options with the Nos. 7 and 14 picks, and there’s been talk of them packaging them to move up. They could also move down. Or stay right where they are. The possibilities are endless. (They also own the Nos. 34 and 40 picks.)

“The Trail Blazers likely won’t roster all four of their draft picks, which means they’ll look into trade opportunities to consolidate and find value. Portland’s roster remains in an in-between stage, but Scoot Henderson is the presumptive centerpiece to rebuild around,” Woo wrote. “Although they don’t need more guards at the moment, their various needs should be less important than simply continuing to swing for upside.

“The No. 7 and No. 14 picks give the Blazers two quality looks at long-term value, and their two second-rounders will be movable if they choose not to use them.”