Report: Nuggets Confirms ‘Serious Interest’ in $176 Million 9-Time Star
There has been significant speculation about where Paul George will play at the start of the 2024-25 season. While he’s been linked to several teams beyond the Los Angeles Clippers, the Denver Nuggets were a notable option, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Anthony Slater.
In their June 28 report, Amick and Slater wrote, “League sources say the Denver Nuggets … had serious interest recently in the prospect of adding George by way of a possible extend-and-trade with the Clippers (if he chose to go that route).”
They explained why the Nuggets ultimately lost interest in the nine-time All-Star: “Yet in addition to giving George the max deal he so desires, they also would have had to give up Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, and a significant amount of draft capital. The Nuggets value their draft picks perhaps as much as any other contender in the league, and so their interest ended there.”
There were no specifics on how “recent” the Nuggets’ interest was. For any trade to work, George would also need to be interested in joining the Nuggets. Given their status as the 2023 NBA Champions, it’s very plausible he was.
George is currently on a five-year, $176 million contract with the Clippers, which includes a player option for $48 million that he can choose to opt in or out of.
Nuggets Rival Wants to Acquire Paul George: Report
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on June 26 that the Golden State Warriors are interested in acquiring Paul George and are willing to pay a premium price for him.
“He wants a full-out max. And there are a number of teams out there, I am told, that are prepared to give it to him, or are prepared to trade for him,” Windhorst said. “One of those teams potentially is up the coast in Golden State. Golden State is big-fish hunting. Remember, last trade deadline, they put a call in about LeBron James. They are sniffing around big deals. If Paul George is willing to leave, they would like to be an option for him.”
In their article, Amick and Slater also confirmed the Warriors’ interest in George. “League sources say the Warriors, who have a sensitive free agency situation of their own with Klay Thompson, have legitimate interest in making George part of their new core alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green.”
Despite the Warriors failing to make the playoffs, they share the same championship aspirations as the Nuggets. With Stephen Curry nearing the end of his career, adding George would significantly boost their chances of securing another title before Curry retires.
Nuggets Beat Paul George & Clippers in 2020 Playoffs
One of the most memorable Nuggets playoff victories in franchise history was their comeback from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Clippers in the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Paul George’s performance was a key factor in the Clippers’ downfall. Over the seven games, George averaged 21.7 points while shooting 43.5% from the field and 38.5% from three. However, his struggles culminated in Game 7, where he scored only 10 points and committed five turnovers.
This series marked the only time the Nuggets have faced George in the playoffs. Whether George remains with the Clippers, joins the Warriors, or moves to any other Western Conference contender, there’s a strong possibility the Nuggets might encounter him and his team again in future postseasons.