Stephen Curry Courted $212 Million Superstar to Join Warriors This Summer.
The Golden State Warriors enlisted Stephen Curry’s help to try and land a second superstar over the summer, but to no avail.
Marcus Thompson of The Athletic reported on August 30 that Curry actively courted nine-time All-Star Paul George, formerly of the Los Angeles Clippers, before the forward ultimately signed with the Philadelphia 76ers for $212 million over the next four years.
“Curry recruited Paul George,” Thompson wrote. “So Curry is aware of what was in the Warriors’ control and how much of their whiffs were creditable to their rivals.”
The Warriors lost Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency before striking out on a sign-and-trade deal for George as well as a trade for Lauri Markkanen, who ultimately signed an extension to remain with the Utah Jazz.
Golden State still had a strong offseason, adding De’Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson. While the skill sets that the three men incorporate include everything the Dubs need perimeter defense (Melton and Anderson), three-point shooting (Hield and Melton) and ball-handling (Anderson and Melton) all three are listed as second-string options on the depth chart as of now.
Stephen A. Smith of ESPN criticized head coach Steve Kerr for the lack of star recruitment on the August 30 episode of “First Take,” questioning aloud if the upper echelon of the NBA is resistant to playing for him, as the other most plausible scenario would involve a disinterest in teaming up with Curry.
“Why couldn’t they get Paul George?” Smith wondered. “Why can’t they get another superstar to pair with Steph Curry? Especially in the aftermath of Kevin Durant’s departure?”
Regardless of fault, the Dubs lost out on George like they lost out on every other star free agent and trade candidate this summer. As such, George is taking his 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game from last season to Philly for 2024 and beyond, while the Warriors continue to search for answers at the end of Curry’s prime.
