The Los Angeles Clippers were built to win championships. Yet, here we are, with this talented team watching from their sofas again after an early exit from the NBA Playoffs.
The Clippers find themselves at a crossroads this offseason. Do they keep chasing a title with this underachieving core or move on? The key to that question is star forward Paul George.
George has a player option to re-up with the Clips for 2024-25 but could bail and enter free agency if the organization isn’t committed to a long-term extension. Rumors say the two sides are deadlocked, with the Clippers balking at a longer engagement ($221 million over four years) and aiming for a three-year deal worth $149 million. If George isn’t happy, then he could become a free agent or force Los Angeles’ hand in a sign-and-trade with a potential suitor before free agency opens on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
There are NBA odds available on PG’s home for the 2024-25 season, and I run down the likelihood of those landing spots. Here are the latest Paul George next team odds.
Paul George next team odds
| Team |  |
 Los Angeles Clippers |
-255 |
 Philadelphia 76ers |
+350 |
 Orlando Magic |
+1,200 |
 Los Angeles Lakers |
+1,500 |
 Miami Heat |
+2,000 |
 New York Knicks |
+2,000 |
 New Orleans Pelicans |
+2,000 |
 Oklahoma City Thunder |
+2,500 |
Odds as of 5-29-2024.
Favorites to be Paul George's next team
Los Angeles Clippers (-255)
The clock is ticking for the Los Angeles Clippers. L.A. is reportedly gun shy about a four-year deal, which is what Paul George is after. He is coming off his healthiest season in a long time, playing in 74 games and averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
Steve Ballmer is building a brand-new venue for the Clippers, getting them out of the shadow of their roommates in the Los Angeles Lakers. Could that signal a new direction for the franchise as well?
Two of the three options on the table for PG point to him staying with the Clips, either activating his $48.7 million player option for next season or signing a longer-term deal. That’s why L.A. is a sizable favorite.
Philadelphia 76ers (+350)
The Philadelphia 76ers are the Clippers of the East — loaded with talent but unable to get over the hump in the postseason.
Philadelphia would be an attractive place for PG to land, should he opt for free agency. And if L.A. goes the sign-and-trade route, the Sixers have cap space and draft stock to send the other way.
George would be a perfect fit alongside the speedy Tyrese Maxey and interior presence of Joel Embiid, and his two-way play suits the style of head coach Nick Nurse.
Orlando Magic (+1,200)
If PG is done ring chasing and just wants to get paid in the golden years of his NBA career, then the Magic Kingdom is the place. The Orlando Magic can offer him a max deal and the benefit of soft taxes in the Sunshine State.
And that’s not to say George couldn’t help the Magic contend for a title — or at least challenge the Boston Celtics in the East. His 3-point shooting and experience is a welcome add to a young Orlando roster.
George praised Magic standout and potential teammate Paolo Banchero earlier this month for his postseason performance, calling the second-year stud an “ultimate star” and “one of the strongest players that (he’s) played against.”
Los Angeles Lakers (+1,500)
The only way George goes to the Los Angeles Lakers is if LeBron James pulls the rip cord and opts out, following his son to whichever team rolls the dice on the Bronny James draft odds.
With the Lakers and Phoenix Suns listed as the only teams working out LeBron’s kid before the draft, there’s some sizzle to the James-to-Phoenix rumors. But Los Angeles is still a sizable favorite to retain the King for the 2024-25 season in the LeBron James next team odds.
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Miami Heat (+2,000)
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat are rumored to be on shaky ground this summer, with Butler looking for an extension ahead of his possible free agency in 2025. There are a number of interested teams, including Philadelphia.
If the Sixers manage to swing a deal with Miami, that leaves a big hole in South Beach and a lot of money sitting around for the Heat to sign George. But plenty of dominos have to fall just right for this to happen, hence the hefty +2,000 odds.
New York Knicks (+2,000)
The New York Knicks need that push over the top and PG could be it. New York battled hard in the postseason, but injuries left it limited. George would take pressure off Jalen Brunson and give the Knicks a capable wing defender.
This move would have to be a trade, with Julius Randle going the other way along with a bounty of draft picks to Los Angeles. If New York is in “win now” mode, this is a move in the right direction.
New Orleans Pelicans (+2,000)
Brandon Ingram’s days in the Big Easy appear numbered. Could we see a possible sign-and-trade between the Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans that sends PG to NOLA and gives Los Angeles a similar star? Meh.
