Paul George (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
A massive trade proposal has the Los Angeles Clippers altering the 2025 NBA championship race by dealing superstar Paul George to an Eastern Conference heavyweight.

Paul George can opt out of his contract and test free agency this upcoming week if he so desires. An opt-out is highly likely, even if he wants to stay with the Clippers, since George can assure himself more financial long-term security.

But if George doesn’t want to sign a new deal with Los Angeles, the ideal scenario for both parties would be a sign-and-trade transaction. This way, he gets his long-term deal while the Clippers get much-needed assets to reshape the roster around Kawhi Leonard.

Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World proposed a blockbuster trade that has the Clippers sending Paul George back to his old team, the Indiana Pacers, in exchange for Aaron Neismith, Bennedict Mathurin and 2027 and 2029 first-round picks:

“This trade scenario presents a win-win situation. The Clippers gain young talent and future assets to secure their long-term success, while the Pacers get a seasoned star who can immediately impact their quest for playoff success. Reuniting Paul George with the Pacers could be the boost they need to finally overcome their postseason hurdles and make a significant run in the Eastern Conference.”

"[The Clippers] are not acting like they're desperate to keep him." 😳 @WindhorstESPN doesn't understand why the Clippers are not worried about losing Paul George 🤔 pic.twitter.com/rD9IPFSW2K

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 28, 2024

The Pacers made a surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals, but they were ousted by the Boston Celtics in a four-game sweep. Clearly, they could use a veteran presence and two-way star to get past a star-studded Boston team.

The Clippers may even feel motivated to move on from Paul George after yet another disappointing playoff exit. George and Leonard were supposed to lead LA to a championship (or two) by now, but the super duo has only led this team past the first round once.

Paul George Is The Ideal Trade Target For Clippers

The Celtics exposed the Pacers’ lack of scoring depth and further stressed their need for a two-way star who can defend against the opposition’s top players.

Indiana has a nice foundation to build around here in Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner. But a perennial All-Star and experienced veteran like Paul George just might be the final piece needed to get Indiana over the hump in a tough conference.