What Happened to Paul Clifton Anthony George?
Paul George is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Boston Celtics. Drafted 10th overall in 2010, George rose to stardom with the Indiana Pacers, overcame a severe leg injury, and subsequently played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to the Celtics in July 2026, continuing his career as a prominent two-way forward.
Quick Answer
Paul George was most recently traded to the Boston Celtics in July 2026, after two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. He is currently playing under a substantial contract, with his 2026-27 salary set at over $54 million. George, a nine-time NBA All-Star, continues to be a key player known for his two-way skills, despite recent injury struggles and a 25-game PED suspension during the 2025-26 season.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Drafted by Indiana Pacers
Paul George was selected as the 10th overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, marking the start of his professional career.
Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team
After his debut season, George was recognized for his promising performance by being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Wins NBA Most Improved Player Award
George's significant development and elevated play earned him the NBA Most Improved Player award during the 2012-13 season.
Suffers Severe Leg Injury
While competing in a USA Basketball scrimmage, George sustained a devastating open tibia-fibula fracture in his right leg, sidelining him for most of the following season.
Wins Olympic Gold Medal
Following his recovery, Paul George was a key member of the United States men's national basketball team that won a gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder
George was traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he played for two seasons alongside Russell Westbrook.
Traded to Los Angeles Clippers
In a blockbuster trade, George was sent to the Los Angeles Clippers to team up with Kawhi Leonard, forming a new championship contender.
Signs Max Extension with Clippers
Paul George signed a four-year, $226 million maximum contract extension with the Clippers, committing his long-term future to the franchise through the 2024-25 season.
Signs with Philadelphia 76ers
George signed a 3-4 year, $211.58 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, marking another significant team change in his career.
2019 Clippers Trade Officially Completed
The final draft pick from the 2019 trade that sent Paul George to the Clippers was made, officially concluding the seven-year-long transaction with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Traded to Boston Celtics
Paul George was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Jaylen Brown and draft compensation, joining his fourth NBA team.
Contract Scrutiny with Celtics
Following his trade to Boston, George's $54 million salary for the 2026-27 season and recent injury history, including a 25-game PED suspension in 2025-26, led to discussions about his contract value.
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Paul Clifton Anthony George, often known as 'PG-13,' embarked on his NBA journey when he was selected 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as a rising star, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2011 and the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2013. His tenure with the Pacers was marked by multiple All-Star selections and deep playoff runs, showcasing his prowess as a versatile two-way player. However, his career faced a significant challenge in August 2014 when he suffered a horrific open tibia-fibula fracture during a USA Basketball scrimmage, sidelining him for most of the 2014-15 season.
George made a remarkable comeback, returning to All-Star form and winning an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2016. In 2017, seeking a new challenge, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he played two seasons alongside Russell Westbrook. His time in Oklahoma City further solidified his reputation as an elite defender and scorer, culminating in an All-NBA First Team selection in 2019. Following his stint with the Thunder, George was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, joining Kawhi Leonard to form a formidable duo. He signed a max contract extension with the Clippers in December 2020, committing to the franchise through the 2024-25 season.
After five seasons with the Clippers, George's journey continued with a move to the Philadelphia 76ers. He signed a 3-4 year, $211.58 million contract with the 76ers on July 6, 2024. His time in Philadelphia was marred by injury issues, as he struggled with availability, playing only 37 regular-season games in the 2025-26 season. During this period, he also served a 25-game suspension for a PED violation, which impacted his performance and the team's outlook. Despite these challenges, he showed flashes of his former self, particularly during the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
As of August 15, 2026, Paul George is a member of the Boston Celtics. He was traded to Boston in July 2026 in a blockbuster deal that sent Jaylen Brown to the 76ers. This trade, while surprising to many, was seen by the Celtics as an opportunity to strengthen their defense and add a veteran presence alongside Jayson Tatum. George's contract for the 2026-27 season is $54,126,380, and he holds a player option for the 2027-28 season. While some analysts have questioned the value of his contract given his age (36) and recent injury history, his defensive capabilities and playoff experience are expected to be valuable assets for the Celtics.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Paul Clifton Anthony George made different choices?