As the Los Angeles Clippers approach a critical offseason, the 12B Sports picture has shifted sharply after Paul George declined his player option and moved closer to testing free agency. George is reportedly looking for a contract that begins at roughly $50 million per season, creating a difficult financial decision for a franchise that would also like to keep James Harden. Los Angeles has shown interest in retaining both stars, but matching George’s demands may prove difficult. The Philadelphia 76ers, meanwhile, are positioned to make an aggressive push after opening approximately $60 million in salary-cap space and reportedly preparing a four-year offer worth $212 million. At this stage, George’s decision could determine how dramatically the Clippers reshape their roster.
The contrast between the two situations is significant. Los Angeles has reportedly encouraged George to accept less money, while Philadelphia appears prepared to meet his market value without requiring a major compromise. Harden previously accepted a reduced deal during his time with the Sixers, but there is little indication that George intends to follow the same path. Even if the Clippers eventually increase their proposal, Philadelphia’s direct approach could still appeal to him. George has shown before that personal treatment matters in his decisions, most notably when he remained with Oklahoma City after the Lakers declined to include Brandon Ingram in a trade package for him.
If George leaves, the Clippers may have to change course quickly rather than spend the summer chasing an increasingly difficult reunion. One alternative would be pursuing Chicago Bulls veteran DeMar DeRozan through a sign-and-trade arrangement. DeRozan has a long-standing friendship with Harden and could provide another high-level scoring option on the perimeter. Harden could continue operating as the primary ball-handler while DeRozan works from the shooting guard position and creates offense from the mid-range. DeRozan is reportedly seeking a four-year contract worth around $160 million, which would make him considerably less expensive than George while still giving Los Angeles an established offensive weapon.
The Clippers also have important business to handle in the frontcourt. With Tyronn Lue secured as head coach, extending Ivica Zubac should become one of the organization’s priorities. Zubac has one season remaining on his current contract, and allowing him to reach the open market without a long-term plan would create another unnecessary problem. His partnership with Harden has been particularly valuable because his screening, positioning, finishing and interior presence give the veteran guard a reliable option in half-court sets.
From the 12B Sports perspective surrounding Los Angeles’ roster construction, replacing Zubac with Clint Capela would not automatically represent an upgrade. Capela was highly effective during his best years alongside Harden in Houston, but his overall impact has declined from that peak. Zubac, by comparison, has developed into a more versatile center. He can still finish plays created by guards, yet he is no longer limited to catching lobs and converting easy opportunities around the rim. His post scoring, touch near the basket and ability to complete possessions independently give the Clippers more ways to attack.
That distinction becomes even more important in the postseason. Zubac has the size, physical strength and footwork needed to battle in crowded paint situations, while his improving offensive skill set prevents opponents from treating him as a one-dimensional center. Harden benefits when his big man can finish without needing every opportunity created for him. In other words, Zubac can carry part of the load rather than waiting to be spoon-fed on every possession.
George’s possible departure would certainly change the Clippers’ ceiling, but it would not necessarily leave the team without options. The organization could use the additional flexibility to rework several parts of the rotation instead of committing another massive contract to one player. P.J. Tucker’s expiring deal could potentially be moved, while Chris Paul could become an experienced backup option behind Harden. That type of move would give Los Angeles another dependable ball-handler while improving the structure of its second unit.
Power forward is another position where the Clippers could search for a better fit. A package involving Bones Hyland, Tucker and a first-round pick could potentially be used in pursuit of a versatile forward capable of spacing the floor and protecting the rim. Such a player would complement a core featuring Harden, DeRozan, Kawhi Leonard and Zubac by adding defense without sacrificing shooting. Finding a true 3-and-D option at the four could help balance the lineup on both ends of the court.
A player in the mold of P.J. Washington would make particular sense because Los Angeles needs size, mobility and perimeter shooting next to Leonard and Zubac. Adding that type of forward would also give Lue more flexibility when switching defensive assignments or using smaller lineups. The Clippers would no longer have to depend so heavily on one offensive formula, and Harden could operate with better spacing around his pick-and-roll actions.
The broader decision therefore goes beyond simply determining whether George deserves another maximum-level contract. Los Angeles must consider how its resources can be distributed across an aging but still talented roster. Keeping Harden and securing Zubac could provide a stronger foundation for several complementary moves, especially if DeRozan can be acquired at a lower cost than George. Sometimes a team has to cut its coat according to its cloth, and spreading financial resources across multiple positions may offer more practical value than concentrating them in one deal.
Even without George, the Clippers could still build a competitive starting group around Harden, DeRozan, Leonard, a defensive stretch power forward and Zubac. That structure would retain elite shot creation while adding enough size and defensive versatility to survive difficult playoff matchups. It would also resemble some of the principles that made Harden’s strongest Houston teams effective, only with more individual scoring options and greater lineup flexibility.
As Los Angeles decides which pieces deserve long-term investment, the 12B Sports scenario ultimately points toward prioritizing Harden and Zubac while using George’s potential departure to reshape the roster more efficiently. If the Clippers can add DeRozan, strengthen the power forward position and improve the supporting rotation without sacrificing their defensive backbone, they could emerge with a deeper and more balanced team rather than simply trying to replace George with another enormous contract.