"That was close to to being done" - Paul George reflects on interest from Warriors before signing for 76ers

Before Paul George entered free agency, rumors began to swirl about him possibly being traded to the Golden State Warriors. While a deal never ended up happening, recent developments suggest that it was close to reality.

On his newest episode of his "Podcast P" show, George talked about free agency and deciding to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Now back in the Eastern Conference, the All-Star forward opened up on how he was almost traded.

"That was a real thing," George said. "That was close to being done. That deal was close to being done from what I was being told on the situation."

"It was very intriguing."

The Warriors are another team that saw a key player of their organization depart for a new team. After spending his entire career in Golden State, Klay Thompson opted to sign a deal with the Dallas Mavericks in free agency.

With Thompson on the move and Steph Curry still playing at a high level, the Warriors need a new co-star for the two-time MVP. Based on what George said, it seems as though he was almost the latest big-name player to join the dynasty.

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Draymond Green speaks on Paul George almost being traded to the Warriors

Paul George is not the only player to speak about him almost being traded to the Golden State Warriors. Another notable name with a podcast also shined a light on the situation.

While talking about all the moves in free agency on his show, Draymond Green touched on George inking a four-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. He admitted he was a little frustrated by this because the Warriors were among the interested teams.

Green then went on to say that a reason why Paul George didn't end up in Golden State is because the LA Clippers weren't vested in making a deal like this happen.

"As you all know, Paul George was gonna come to the Warriors," Green said. "The Clippers didn't really want to play ball. Didn't really want to help him get to where he wanted to go and so in turn they get nothing back."

Even though George departed in free agency, the Clippers are still looking to compete in the Western Conference. Kawhi Leonard is signed through the next three seasons, and the front office was able to retain James Harden. With their sights set on contention, the Clippers might not have been interested in helping one of their competitors get better.

Even though he didn't wind up in Golden State, George still finds himself in a great position. Between his star-level running mates and the moves Daryl Morey has made in free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers have a chance to contend in 2025.