Before opting to leave the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul George showed interest in joining the Golden State Warriors, sparking discussions across the NBA. A potential trade involving George and Lauri Markkanen nearly came to fruition, but the Clippers ultimately decided not to move forward in negotiations.
The Clippers’ decision not to accept the trade resulted in a missed opportunity. By receiving nothing in return for George’s departure, the team was left without additional assets to strengthen its roster.
Draymond Green, a player for the Warriors, confirmed that the possibility of acquiring George and Markkanen was considered. However, the Clippers were unwilling to collaborate with their division rival.
“The conversation was always about that possibility (PG and Lauri to the Warriors). You get both of those guys; you make a huge splash. But the Clippers weren’t really willing to play ball. Then Danny Ainge was being Danny Ainge,” Green told The Athletic.
A lost chance for the Clippers in the Trade Market
A trade with the Warriors could have brought players like Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, or even Chris Paul to the Clippers. These additions would have strengthened the team and could have positioned them as NBA title contenders.
Clippers vs. Warriors: A battle for NBA supremacy
The rivalry between the Clippers and Warriors has been intense in recent years. Even Stephen Curry acknowledged that teams in the league are unwilling to help the Warriors regain their dominance. “Let’s keep it real. Most teams are probably not going to want to help us,” Curry also told The Athletic.
Both the Clippers and Warriors face challenges in the 2024-2025 season. Both teams will have to find a way to improve their rosters and compete for a spot in the NBA playoffs.