The Golden State Warriors have had a trying season. For a team considered to be a perennial title contender, they sure do not look the part. After bouncing back in February with a solid 11-3 record, they are still mired in uncertainty, languishing at the 10th spot in the West. And their most recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves has pushed them further to the edge of falling from even play-in contention. Following a 110-114 loss to the Wolves, their third in the last four games, the Warriors just have a one-game cushion over the surging Houston Rockets. To add to their woes, the Rockets are on a nine-game winning streak!

The team has struggled with consistency for the majority of the season. Suspensions and injuries have also played a hand in their struggles. But the ultimate truth is that the Warriors’ trio is past its prime. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are now all on the wrong side of their 30s. While Steph and Green have managed to retain their former selves, injuries, age, and attrition have taken a toll on Klay’s performance. With fellow Splash Brother losing a step, Steph has to carry the scoring load most nights. To put things in perspective, the Warriors are +6 with Curry on the floor and -11 without him.

Consequently, this has given rise to talks about Steph needing a second option if the Warriors plan to stay in contention in the coming years. In a recent episode of Gil’s Arena, the Warriors’ legend Gilbert Arenas proposed a trade involving a package of Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins for Paul George.

Paul George and the LA Clippers have yet to agree to a contract extension. The 33-year-old has a  $48.7 million player option for the 2024–25 season, which he could decline to test free agency. George is currently averaging 22.5 points, 3.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds with a shooting efficiency of 47.1% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range, making him a valuable and versatile wing Golden State is looking for. However, the chances of such a scenario playing out are slim and will depend on whether the Clippers make a lengthy playoff run. But if PG decides to hit free agency, the Bay Area team won’t be the only suitor for his services.

Teams interested in Paul George

NBA Insider Marc Stein reports that the Philadelphia 76ers are also interested in acquiring Paul George if he decides to decline his player option for next season.“League sources say that Philadelphia continues to loom as an eager George suitor should he make it onto the open market and give the 76ers their formal opportunity to try to lure him across the country,” Stein wrote.

There have also been rumblings about George wanting to relocate to Indiana, a team he spent his first seven seasons with, to play alongside star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Pascal Siakam. However, more immediately, he is focused on helping the Clippers stay in playoff contention as they slipped to the 5th spot in the West after their recent 116-133 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

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