Warriors Believed They Were On Verge Of Deal For Paul George, Clippers' Reluctance Likely Financial
The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and Paul George engaged in serious discussions on a deal all the way to Saturday's deadline for his contract decision. The Warriors believed multiple times they were on the verge of securing a deal for George, sources tell Tim Kawakami of The Athletic. The Warriors agreed to give George a max four-year extension upon his arrival and proposed several variations of a trade package they believed the Clippers would accept.
George gave strong indications he wanted to join the Warriors, but the Clippers ultimately never agreed to any version of a proposed trade with him now becoming a free agent with the expectation he'll choose between the Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were completely on board with the plan for the Warriors to acquire George.
The Warriors offered some combination of Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, either Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody plus one future first round picks. Golden State was never prepared to put both Wiggins and Kuminga together in a trade package.
The financial concerns of a deal were a major factor for the Clippers as they will get out from the second apron and have more roster maneuverability if he walks as a free agent.