The Los Angeles Clippers are approaching pivotal negotiations with Paul George ahead of the 2024 NBA free agency period. George will be an unrestricted free agent and rumors suggest he could leave the team for a fresh start. Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan is in a similar situation, and there is a chance he will leave the Windy City if things in LA do not pan out as intended.

DeMar DeRozan signed with the Bulls during the summer of 2021, and since then, the veteran forward has been an offensive force for Chicago. He, along with the Bulls' stout contributors, propelled the team as high as first place in the Eastern Conference standings early in the 2021-22 season. However, things have not been the same since Lonzo Ball injured his knee that same year.

The Bulls have failed to claim a playoff spot since the spring of 2022. Nevertheless, DeRozan expressed his desire to stay in Chicago and help the team return to the top of the East. If there is one franchise that can pry the LA native away though, it is the Clippers.

If Los Angeles fails to re-sign Paul George during the 2024 NBA Free Agency period, they could be suitors for a sign-and-trade to land DeRozan in Los Angeles, per Hoops Hype.

One thing to note is that George previously expresssed optimism to extend his contract with LA after the Clippers got a deal done with Kawhi Leonard in early January.

“Yeah, I mean, absolutely. You secure and lock in Kawhi. Definitely leaves the door open for myself, but very, very optimistic something will get done on my behalf, as well,” George said, per ClutchPoints' Tomer Azarly.

Yet, the Clippers exited the 2024 NBA Playoffs in the first round after losing their series against the Dallas Mavericks 4-2. Moreover, George had somewhat of a disappointing showing, averaging 19 points during the matchup. Will he and the Clippers agree on a new extension and run things back with their star core? And if not, will DeMar DeRozan fill the void that George could leave?

The Clippers have a crucial offseason ahead of them

Los Angeles has had trouble keeping their star players healthy for the postseason. Kawhi Leonard missed mossed of his team's 2024 playoff series due to another unfortunate knee ailment. The veteran forward has endured injury trouble in nearly every postseason he has played for the Clippers.

Paul George's availability has not been far off Leonard's. However, the 2023-24 regular season and postseason was a positive step for the two-way star. He played 74 regular season games, his most since his 2018-19 MVP candidate season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite his subpar playoff showing against the Mavs, George has plenty to offer.

But like many players, George might benefit from a change in scenery. Likewise, so could DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan is a proven clutch player with the leadership necessary to help Los Angeles maintain its presence in the West. If George leaves, the Bulls star would be an excellent consolation prize.

It will be interesting to see how things play out ahead of a crucial 2024 NBA free agency period.