5 Best Free Agent Destinations For Paul George

Core: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey

The Philadelphia 76ers present an intriguing destination for Paul George in free agency, offering the opportunity to team up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form a formidable Big Three. With only Embiid (34.7 PPG, 11.0 RPG) and Maxey (likely re-sign on a max deal), the major players currently signed to contracts, the 76ers are in a prime position to pursue a third star to bolster their championship aspirations. George's arrival could provide the missing piece for a team looking to bounce back from a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs against the New York Knicks in six games.

The synergy between George, Embiid, and Maxey could elevate the 76ers to new heights, with Embiid's dominance in the paint complementing George's scoring prowess and defensive skills. Additionally, Maxey's emergence as an All-Star (25.9 PPG, 6.2 APG) adds depth and versatility to the lineup. Pairing George with Embiid, the best big man George has ever played alongside, could create a dynamic duo capable of challenging the Eastern Conference's elite teams, including the Boston Celtics.

The 76ers have a ton of money to offer to George (up to $49 million per season) and could bring him on a three-year deal on max dollars if needed. The 76ers lost in the first round and the Clippers did as well, possibly making this a reunion that every party might need to accomplish their goals.

2. New York Knicks

Core: Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby

Despite Julius Randle's injury, the New York Knicks have managed to advance to the second round, showcasing their resilience and depth. However, to secure George, the Knicks may need to orchestrate some strategic moves, potentially parting ways with players like Bojan Bogdanovic and Randle in a sign-and-trade with the Clippers. Such a move could facilitate George's arrival in New York, instantly bolstering their lineup with his scoring ability and defensive prowess.

Pairing George with star talents like Jalen Brunson (28.7 PPG, 6.7 APG) and OG Anunoby could elevate the Knicks to new heights, particularly as they seek to build on their postseason success. Brunson's playmaking skills and Anunoby's defensive versatility could complement George's skill set, providing the Knicks with a potent trio capable of competing with the best in the Eastern Conference.

Additionally, the Knicks' depth and versatility would allow them to adapt to various lineup configurations, particularly with players like Isaiah Hartenstein providing strong rebounding and Josh Hart excelling as a wing defender. This flexibility could enable the Knicks to play small-ball lineups as needed, adding another dimension to their already formidable roster.

Furthermore, if the Knicks decide to part ways with Randle, they could explore convincing George to accept his player option, facilitating a sign-and-trade that benefits both parties. Such a move would not only strengthen the Knicks' roster but also potentially position them as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.

3. Indiana Pacers

Core: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam

Returning to the Indiana Pacers could represent a homecoming of sorts for Paul George, who initially put the franchise on the map during his tenure in the early 2010s. Reuniting with the Pacers would not only allow George to reconnect with the team and fan base but also provide him with the opportunity to play alongside a promising core featuring Tyrese Haliburton (20.1 PPG, 10.9 APG) and Pascal Siakam (21.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG). Haliburton's playmaking ability and Siakam's versatility would complement George's skill set, creating a formidable trio capable of making waves in the Eastern Conference.

However, orchestrating a trade to bring George back to Indiana would require some creative maneuvering on the part of the Pacers. They would likely need to part ways with valuable assets like Myles Turner, Aaron Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, and possibly Bennedict Mathurin to match salaries and entice the Clippers into a sign-and-trade. Additionally, the Pacers could sweeten the deal by including future first-round draft picks.

While such a trade would undoubtedly reshape the Pacers' roster, it could also position them as a force to be reckoned with in the East. The trio of George, Haliburton, and Siakam would provide the Pacers with a potent combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess, covering both ends of the court effectively. 

With the right supporting cast and coaching with Rick Carlisle, the Pacers could emerge as contenders in the Eastern Conference, challenging established powerhouses like the Boston Celtics for supremacy. For George, a return to Indiana would not only offer the chance to compete at a high level but also to potentially write a new chapter in his storied career with the team that launched his NBA journey.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

Core: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Josh Giddey

Teaming up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.1 PPG), Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey would create a dynamic and versatile core capable of competing at the highest level in the NBA. Gilgeous-Alexander's emergence as an MVP candidate has solidified his status as one of the league's premier talents, while Holmgren's rapid development suggests he is on the cusp of All-Star recognition.

Adding George to this mix would provide the Thunder with a proven veteran presence and a perennial All-Star performer, rounding out their roster with a potent combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess. Josh Giddey's playmaking ability and basketball IQ would further enhance the Thunder's offensive arsenal, creating additional scoring opportunities for George and his teammates.

With George's experience and leadership, he could serve as a mentor to the young core, helping guide them through the rigors of the NBA season and playoffs. However, facilitating George's return to Oklahoma City would require the Thunder to clear significant cap space since they have approximately $35 million in projected cap space. Trading away valuable assets like Luguentz Dort, while painful given his contributions to the team, may be necessary to open up cap space for George's contract.

George's previous positive experiences with the Thunder and his desire to compete for a championship could serve as motivating factors for a potential return. The opportunity to reunite with familiar faces and compete for a title in Oklahoma City may outweigh other free agency destinations for George, making a return to the Thunder his best shot at achieving postseason success.

5. Orlando Magic

Core: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner

Paul George's potential addition to the Orlando Magic could significantly bolster their roster and elevate their status as a true contender in the NBA instead of surprising people in the East. Pairing George with Paolo Banchero (22.6 PPG) and Franz Wagner would create a dynamic trio capable of reshaping the Magic's offensive identity and propelling them to new heights.

Banchero, an All-Star with a versatile skill set, would benefit immensely from playing alongside George. As a dominant scorer and playmaker, George's presence would alleviate some of the offensive burden on Banchero, allowing him to develop his game more organically without shouldering excessive responsibility. Banchero's ability to create mismatches with his size and agility would complement George's scoring prowess and playmaking instincts, creating a potent inside-outside threat for the Magic.

Similarly, George's arrival would further enhance Franz Wagner's emergence as a promising young talent. Wagner's defensive versatility and high basketball IQ make him an ideal complement to George's skill set. With George commanding attention from opposing defenses, Wagner could capitalize on open looks and cutting opportunities, maximizing his impact on both ends of the floor.

Furthermore, George's veteran leadership and playoff experience would be invaluable for a young team like the Magic. For the Magic to be able to acquire George, they will need to reject team options for Joe Ingles and Mo Wagner while choosing not to guarantee $17 million to Jonathan Isaac since the forward has only played 205 games since 2018.