Los Angeles Clippers' Paul George works against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Dallas, Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Draymond Green was not pleased with the Golden State Warriors’ failure to sign Paul George. On his podcast, he discussed why he was upset with the Los Angeles Clippers for not trading George to Golden State.
“(I’m) a little salty about that because, as you all know, Paul George was going to join the Warriors.” “We wanted Paul George to join the Warriors,” he remarked on “The Draymond Green Show.” “To get Paul George, we would have had to sign-and-trade, and the Clippers didn’t want to play ball. Didn’t want to help him reach where he wanted to go, thus they got nothing in return.
When George opted out of his contract, the Warriors lost their opportunity to add him. The Warriors did not have enough financial room to sign him in free agency. Because he opted out, George was able to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
If the Clippers had accepted, Paul George would have become their most high-profile addition since Kevin Durant.
Why Paul George’s Trade Negotiations Broke Down
After George signed with the Sixers, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne detailed what went wrong for the Warriors.
She explained that the Warriors and George were both interested in working together.
“The franchise made a concerted effort to trade for George before Saturday’s deadline for him to take up or decline his $48 million player option for next season. While the conversations were ongoing, sources claimed George considered joining Curry and the Warriors, giving the Clippers a chance to acquire something in return for him,” Shelburne reported in a July 3 article.
Shelburne went on to say which player in particular was the dealbreaker.
“According to sources, the Warriors made various offers that included expiring contracts, young players, and an unprotected 2027 first-round pick. According to insiders, the Clippers responded by requesting Jonathan Kuminga, a valuable young player. The Warriors fought because Kuminga is so vital to their future, according to sources, but also because they were concerned George would be less interested in joining them if they gave up too much to get him.
Shelburne disclosed that another thing stood in the way of a potential agreement.
“Sources said LA held firm on not taking back contracts that would land it over the second apron unless there were compelling reasons to do so.”
Warriors ‘Aggressors’ for Lauri Markkanen.
After failing to acquire George, the Warriors switched their attention to another star. According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Warriors are one of several clubs seeking Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.
“I was informed that the Warriors are the aggressors. The San Antonio Spurs are also participating. On a serious note, I’ve been told that the two teams are the Spurs and the Warriors. But, more importantly, I’m informed that the Warriors are pursuing it and seeing what they can do to make it happen.”
Clearly, the Warriors are making one final push for another title while they still have Green Stephen Curry. Markkanen’s contract is modest, so they can purchase him without worrying about tax aprons.
