There’s an old saying that if you don’t like the latest Paul George rumor, just wait a minute. On Tuesday afternoon alone, we learned that not only is John Wall apparently recruiting the Pacers All-Star to join the Wizards; the Celtics will try to make a play to bring both George and Gordon Hayward to town this off-season.
Publicly, George has made clear that he wants to play for his hometown Lakers, but a team like the Cavs, for instance, feels at least somewhat confident that, if they can swing a deal to rent his services next season, a certain measure of success – a Finals appearance, maybe a competitive six-game series – might convince him to stick around for the long-term.
But according to the most recent grumblings, George has other ideas in mind. Here’s what former Warrior Kelenna Azibuike told 95.7 The Game:
“He’s definitely put in a call to Klay Thompson, and obviously he feels like Klay Thompson’s a guy he would love to play with on the Lakers,” Azubuike said. “For all we know, Klay could’ve said buzz off, I’m staying with the Warriors. It doesn’t really mean much that he put in the call, they probably had a nice conversation.”
“He’s definitely put in calls to Klay Thompson, he’s talked to LeBron James, and he’s trying to see if he can figure out who can come with him to the Lakers. I doubt, highly doubt that Klay Thompson will end up leaving the Warriors.”
Thompson won’t be an unrestricted free agent until the summer of 2019, and it seems highly unlikely he’d try to force a trade from Golden State any time before then. But a lot could happen in two years. Win or lose, Thompson might be ready for a new experience down the road and a chance to shine on his own. He’s definitely the one who’s had to sacrifice the most since Kevin Durant came to town.
And if the Lakers are somehow able to get LeBron James – however remote that possibility – Los Angeles would certainly be a much more attractive destination. Until then, we probably shouldn’t hold our breath on a bombshell like this actually coming to fruition.
