Everything that could happen Paul George this summer
1. Trade to the Lakers
We’ll start with the most buzz worthy of all options, a blockbuster trade that sends Paul George to his hometown Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers were recently awarded their third consecutive No. 2 pick in the draft, and it’s unclear if that makes a trade more or less likely. It’s almost guaranteed that Lonzo Ball will be the pick, and I know a certain misogynist that wouldn’t be thrilled with his son playing in Naptown.
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Los Angeles has also made it clear in the past that Brandon Ingram is untouchable in trade talks. Without Ingram or Ball, it might be tougher for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka to make a deal. If Ball is on the table, I think a package of Ball, Julius Randle, the No. 28 pick from Houston and salary filler would be difficult for Kevin Pritchard to turn down. It’s hard to see why the Lakers would give up so much for a player they think they can sign in free agency.
There’s definitely an upside for trading for George now instead of waiting a year to sign him. It’s entirely possible that another team could trade for George and sell him on their organization and their culture, convincing him to sign there long term and kick the Lakers dream aside for five years or so.