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Could Paul George Become a Possible Pistons Free Agency Target?

What's going on with Paul George's situation out in LA?
Feb 2, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) is defended by LA
Feb 2, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) is defended by LA | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered an early exit from the playoffs, falling short to the Dallas Mavericks in six games. Now, two of their core players face an uncertain future with the franchise.

The Detroit Pistons are going to watch every team’s impending free agent star closely, considering they have the money to put together intriguing offers. If the LA Clippers can’t retain the veteran wing, Paul George, the Pistons might be a dark horse candidate to make an offer.

What’s the Latest on PG?

It seems there is a mutual interest in the Clippers keeping Paul George on board.

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Clippers want to retain George as one of their “foundational core pieces.” League figures believe that George wants to remain a Clipper as well.

What’s the issue then? The Clippers reportedly want George for less than what he might demand in free agency. Since the All-Star could drum up a crowded market to meet his asking price, there is a chance George would be willing to search for a different situation in free agency.

George would be an intriguing prospect for the Pistons, but the competition might be too stiff.

The Clippers might not make the dollar offer George is looking for, but there are teams that could meet his demands that are in a much better position than the Pistons.

Two teams mentioned by Scotto are the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic. Both organizations are considered playoff contenders with a chance to enter championship contention by adding a player of George’s caliber.

Meanwhile, the Pistons are still in a position where they have to turn their rebuild around, coming off of a historically low point.

It’s hard to imagine if George leaves the Clippers, he would consider the Pistons, but he’s still a name to keep an eye on as free agency approaches.


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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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