Trade Package No. 1
Nuggets acquire Paul George
Clippers acquire Gary Harris, Will Barton, Monte Morris, 2020 first round pick
It would appear that the Clippers don’t have a ton of leverage in a George trade. He’s coming off of a season which ended in bitter disappointment. A lasting memory fans will have is George’s jumper hitting the side of the backboard.
He also can be a free agent next season, so in trading him to Denver or anywhere else, the acquiring team wouldn’t have the luxury of a guarantee that he’d remain in town.
This may be the extent of players Denver is willing to give up (or perhaps even more than they’d be comfortable with). Three guards, Harris, Barton and Monte Morris, along with Houston’s first rounder.
If Denver has a third untouchable beyond Murray and Jokic, it’s Michael Porter Jr. The Clippers would probably love to acquire him, but it’s too risky for Denver, since George would come on just a one-year contract with the ability to opt-out next year.