Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends Clippers’ Paul George To Cavaliers

One NBA writer proposed that the Cleveland Cavaliers acquire Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers this summer. 

Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Cavaliers and Clippers:

Potential Trade Offer For Paul George: Caris LeVert, Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang, 2031 first-round pick

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. They signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $149 million extension in January.

“For Cleveland, acquiring George would not only add a veteran presence with deep playoff experience but also create a formidable starting lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley,” Leiva wrote. “This blend of youth and experience could catapult the Cavaliers into serious championship contention in the Eastern Conference.”

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 the 2024 playoffs in six games. George averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists in the series while shooting 41.1% overall, 36.7% from 3 and 84.0% from the foul line. 

One of the top two-way players in the NBA, 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 has made nine All-Star teams, six All-NBA teams and four All-Defensive teams. 

If the Cavaliers acquired George, Mitchell would likely sign an extension this offseason. The Louisville product can sign an extension for up to four years and around $200 million this summer.

Mitchell can become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason of 2025 if he declines his 2025-26 player option. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, there is a growing belief that the Cavaliers will be forced to trade Mitchell if an extension isn’t reached.

Mitchell and George are two of the best players in the NBA. They would be a lethal dynamic duo.