Paul George declines option with Clippers, enters free agency

In the early stages of free agency, Los Angeles Clippers All-Star wing Paul George has been continuously linked to the Golden State Warriors through different rumblings and rumors.

At the start of the summer, George was set to have a $48.7 million player option with the Clippers. If he opted in, there was a chance Golden State could be a destination for George via trade. However, if he opted out of his player option, George would be set to enter free agency.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, George declined his $48.7 million option on Saturday and will enter free agency. With George opting out, the chance of an opt-in and trade situation is gone, per Wojnarowski.

Via @wojespn on Twitter:

BREAKING: Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is declining his $48.7M option and entering free agency, sources tell ESPN. He’s planning to set meetings with cap space teams and the Clippers beginning Sunday night. An opt-in/trade scenario is now gone. pic.twitter.com/kASDp58eDD

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors have been under the impression they’re out of the George sweepstakes. If George opted in, the Warriors could’ve used different assets to acquire the Clippers star wing in a trade to take on his contract.

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

Warriors have been under the impression today that they are out on Paul George. The reported opt-out seals it.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 29, 2024

With George reportedly opting out, the Warriors will have to move forward with the start of free agency looming. On Sunday, June 30, NBA teams will be able to begin negotiating with free agents at 3 p.m. PT.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!