Key Takeaways:
– Philadelphia 76ers are keen on signing free agent Paul George
– George, a former LA Clippers forward, could pair up with Ex-MVP Joel Embiid and current All-Star Tyrese Maxey
– George’s previous season with the Clippers makes him a coveted player this season
– Concerns arise over George’s extended injury history when considering a long-term deal
– Philadelphia 76ers have enough salary cap to offer George a lucrative four-year deal
In recent NBA news, the Philadelphia 76ers intend to make the most of their ample salary cap space by turning their attention to multiple free agents. The most prized among them is believed to be unraveling superstar Paul George. The official negotiations between the 76ers and George, who recently opted out of his final year of a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, are set to begin soon.
The Allure of Paul George
George, an acclaimed All-Star having honed his skills in Los Angeles, has caught the interest of the Philadelphia 76ers due to his spectacular performances. Just last season, he averaged a remarkable 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals across 74 games. His ability to maintain such high levels of play is precisely why the 76ers are eager to bring him on board.
Reports suggest a “growing optimism” from within the 76ers organization about snagging George. This development could create a formidable partnership, with George lining up alongside former MVP Joel Embiid and current All-Star Tyrese Maxey.
Negotiations in the Offing
It’s no secret that player negotiations can be tricky, especially in NBA free agency. Last year, the Clippers were unable to secure George with a max contract, despite their best efforts for months. They had the option to offer George a colossal four-year deal worth $221 million. Nevertheless, having just signed co-star Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $149.7 million contract, it couldn’t materialize.
Now free from his previous contract with the Clippers, which was a four-year deal worth $176.3 million, George is on the prowl for a significant payday before his age 34 season. The 76ers, flush with cash, seem ready to hand George a four-year offer worth $212 million.
The Injury Factor
As promising as George’s addition to the 76ers might seem, there are potential stumbling blocks, the most notable of which are concerns over his injury history. Before his sterling 74-game season in 2023-24, George’s appearances ranged between 31 and 56 regular-season games in the four previous years with the Clippers. This inconsistency, exacerbated by co-star Leonard’s own injury woes, raised concerns for both parties.
These fears are not unfounded for the 76ers, who have had to deal with their share of injury-related frustrations. Joel Embiid, the team’s star center, has frequently been side-lined due to health issues, impacting the team’s playoff runs.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ potential acquisition of George could either see the team scale new heights or be a risky gamble. This decision, once finalized, will be crucial to the team’s ambitions in the coming NBA seasons.