Paul George Free Agency: 5 possible destinations for free-agent Paul George

In the summer of 2017, when Paul George (PG), four-time NBA All-Star and the Most Improved NBA player (2013), declared his intentions to leave Indiana Pacers, the club which drafted him into the NBA in 2010, it was seen as a positive move by the player to re-ignite his career by joining an elite side who will be challenging for the title.

Oklahoma City Thunder, a team still recovering from the loss of Kevin Durant to their major rivals Golden State Warriors in 2016, swooped in to secure the coveted signature. It was the perfect plan to disrupt Warriors’ domination of the Western Conference – to pivot the team around the defensively sound PG, the experienced Carmelo Anthony (also acquired in the 2017), and the indomitable Russell Westbrook.

OKC’s season, though, didn’t match the expected heights and ended with a humiliating 4-2 loss to Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs. Personally for George, the season saw a dip in his offensive performances, especially his conversion rates. While PG excelled in defence, leading the OKC team in deflections (4.6 per game), steals (2.2 per game) and distance covered (4.11 km per contest), his three-point shooting percentage dropped from 46.1 in the 2016-17 season to 43. He also averaged 21.0 points per match as opposed to 23.7 in his final season in Indiana.

George still remains a valuable asset and there will be may suitors for his signature in the summer of 2018 when he turns a free-agent. We look at four possible destinations for the 28-year-old PG who is entering what is arguably the best part of his career.#5 Pheonix Suns

#5 Phoenix Suns

Will PG be ready to play the role of a senior in Phoenix?

Guaranteed Salaries: $70,667,235

Expected free-agent holds: Elfrid Payton

Projected cap space: $ 2 million (approx)

Even though the Suns finished last in the Western conference, they remaining an exciting franchise with a rich pedigree which might attract George. The likes of Alex Len, Dragan Bender and Tyson Chandler will remain with the team for the upcoming season, while the Suns have also won the NBA lottery which could see them sign young star Deandre Ayton.

The Suns are reportedly happy to trade with their #1 pick for an established star, and if they secure the services of Paul George, they will be well and truly be back in contention for the Conference title.

The framework is right for PG-13 to step in and play a lead role.

#4 Portland Trailblazers

Can Damian Lillard (centre) convince Paul George to join the Trailblazers?

Guaranteed Salaries: $112,000,975

Expected free-agent holds: None

Projected Cap Space: $-11 million (approx)

It is no secret that the Trailblazers wanted Paul George last summer. The team’s star Damian Lillard even admitted his love for PG on Twitter.

Paul George / few others https://t.co/mG8vbnDbqm

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 14, 2017

Even though Portland have not looked like a side capable of challenging for a spot in the NBA Finals, they have a core group of ball players who certainly have the potential to scale greater heights. Lillard is an explosive point guard, always capable of a high-scoring game, while CJ McCollum, Evan Turner, and big Bosnian Jusuf Nurkic are all players with a great track record. PG has the potential to be that missing chink in the armour for the Trailblazers.

The challenge for the team will be to offer enough money for PG considering they are projected to have very little space available.

#3 Philadelphia 76ers

Australian Ben Simmons had an outstanding 2017-18 season and averaged 15.8 points per game in the regular season.

Guaranteed Salaries: $67,393,247

Expected free-agent holds: None

Projected Cap Space: $25 million (approx)

The 76ers are an exciting proposition for PG because unlike other teams who have an ample salary room to accommodate him, the Philadelphia side have already achieved some success. The 76ers recovered well from two horrendous campaigns to finish third in the Eastern Conference this season.

The team is a great mix of youth and experience with the likes of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric and Ersan Ilyasova forming a great core. Paul George will be a great addition to the squad though 76ers have also been linked with likes of Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder

Will Westbrook be able to convince Paul George to stay with OKC Thunder?

Guaranteed Salaries: $88,907,221

Expected free-agent holds: Paul George

Projected Cap Space: $-8 million (approx)

Even though OKC Thunder had a poor season by their relatively high standards, they are still a star-studded team capable of a title-winning campaign. One reason PG's campaign suffered was the extra defensive duties that were thrust on him due to the injury of Andre Roberson.

Roberson, who ruptured left patellar tendon mid-season, is expected to return at the start of next season and this could influence George's decision to stay at the club. When Roberson returns, PG's defensive responsibilities should reduce, allowing him to gamble forward and contribute more in the offensive side of the game.

Thunder have a projected salary near the cut-off which would mean the need to shed contracts with some of their players to keep PG in the team. Carmelo Anthony is under an expiring deal, and if the Thunder are able to waive him or trade him away for some young and developing players, they might get back in Finals contention.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

Can LA-born Paul George be the experienced leader for a young Lakers team?

Guaranteed salaries: $34,564,080

Expected free-agent holds: Julius Randle, Andre Ingram

Starting Cap Space: $45 million (approx)

The Los Angeles Lakers have been building up for a major free-agent transfer frenzy and this summer could see two big stars joining the Lakers' squad. The decision to trade $26 million Jordan Clarkson's contract to the Cleveland Cavaliers gives Lakers ample options to sign. LeBron James and PG are two big free-agents available, or they might choose to see off another year and wait for 2019 when Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler and Klay Thompson will be available.

The experienced PG would be a perfect fit in a youthful Lakers team with the likes of Lonzo Ball (20), Brandon Ingram (20) and Julius Randle (23). Like most other teams mentioned in the list, Lakers' first choice max-contract signing would be LeBron James, but it would take a lot of convincing to make King James join a squad that do not look they are ready yet to seriously mount a title challenge.