Paul George meets Orlando Magic as free agency begins

ORLANDO — Do the Orlando Magic have a big move when free agency begins Sunday?

Shams Charania of the Athletic reported that the Orlando Magic are among three teams that will meet with Paul George on Sunday night at the start of free agency. The Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers will also meet the nine-time All-Star.

George had a $48.7 million player option with the Clippers for next season but chose to decline it on Saturday.

Few players would be better suited than George to improve Orlando’s performance next season if they want to become a contender in the Eastern Conference. In addition to possessing a wealth of playoff experience, the 2.03m forward averaged 22.6 points per game and shot a career-best 41.3% three-point shooting percentage. .

Orlando’s offensive problems ultimately prevented it from advancing past the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Magic finished tied for 23rd in three-point field goal percentage, 24th in points per game, and tied for 6th for last in three-pointers made per game.

George also spoke enthusiastically about the Magic and second-year All-Star forward Paolo Banchero on his podcast, Podcast P with Paul George.

“Paolo was the ultimate star”George said in his podcast“He’s been phenomenal, he’s been sensational, a real superstar, and he’s playing against a tough team… He’s been extremely consistent, he’s been a goalscorer (and) dominant. I love his tenacity. He’s one of the strongest players I’ve ever played against…He’s a man-child who’s literally playing a man’s game at such a young age. »

Few moves would herald the Magic’s arrival as a contender like the signing of one of the biggest free agents. If Orlando could succeed in signing George, it could be what takes them from being a playoff team to being a contender next season.

Free agency officially begins Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.