Report: Clippers Could Pursue DeMar DeRozan If They Lose Paul George

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Los Angeles Clippers could pursue DeMar DeRozan if they lose Paul George. 

DeRozan becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason if the Chicago Bulls don’t sign him to an extension before free agency starts. 

George can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2024-25 player option worth $48.8 million.

The Clippers have until June 30 to sign George to an extension.

“However, one team worth monitoring as a potential suitor for DeRozan via sign-and-trade is the Los Angeles Clippers, should the franchise fail to re-sign Paul George in free agency, HoopsHype has learned,” Scotto wrote. “George — who never received an offer higher than Kawhi Leonard’s three-year, $153 million extension — is HoopsHype’s top-ranked unrestricted free agent this summer. DeRozan is a Compton native who has continued to perform at a high level as he approaches his 35th birthday.”

George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Clippers this season while shooting 47.1% from the field, 41.3% from beyond the arc and 90.7% from the free-throw line. 

The Clippers lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of this year’s NBA playoffs in six games. 

DeRozan appeared in 79 games for the Bulls this season. The USC product averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 48.0% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 85.3% from the free-throw line. 

The Bulls defeated the Atlanta Hawks in the 9-10 play-in game but lost to the Miami Heat in the 8-9 play-in game. 

The Philadelphia 76ers believe they have a real chance of signing George away from the Clippers. The Sixers are projected to have $60 million in cap space this summer.

George has career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Clippers. He was born and raised in Palmdale, California.

Meanwhile, DeRozan has career averages of 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs and Bulls. He was born and raised in Compton, California.