5 Moves Heat should make if Damian Lillard trade falls through
By Tyler Watts
3. Go hard after PG13
Paul George has one year plus a player option left on his contract, so it is decision time for the Clippers. Adding Kawhi Leonard and PG13 in the 2019 offseason was supposed to lead to a championship, but the results have been disappointing. The Clippers were in the conference finals in 2021, but have otherwise fallen flat with their two stars.
Missed games have been a massive problem for both Kawhi and PG. George is averaging just 47.2 per season since coming to Los Angeles, including missing the Play-In Tournament in 2022 and the playoffs last season. Can the Clippers sign up for new long-term deals when their two stars rarely play?
Both are extension eligible, so they must decide if they want to keep them or move on. The Clippers cannot allow both of their stars to become free agents and lose them for nothing. This is something to watch before the trade deadline as both Clippers stars might be available.
The Miami Heat could be the perfect fit for Paul George. If he is willing to hit into “Heat Culture” it could keep him healthy and return him to superstar status. PG13 averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.5 steals in 34.6 minutes per game last season. He could form one of the best wing duos in the league with Jimmy Butler in Miami, but it would be a gamble by the Heat.