The Sixers‘ interest in pursuing star forward Paul George has “significantly waned” in recent days, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
While Charania doesn’t explicitly state that Philadelphia is moving on from George, he says the team is “expected to be aggressive elsewhere” with its cap room and draft picks as it looks to upgrade its roster around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
It’s a significant development ahead of free agency, since George has long been viewed as the top offseason target for the Sixers, who can create more than $60MM in cap room. George isn’t technically a free agent yet, but could become one if he turns down his $48.8MM player option with the Clippers for the 2024/25 season. He ranked atop our list of this year’s top 50 free agents earlier this week.
The Sixers aren’t the only rival suitor that could make a run at George – he has also been linked to the Magic – but if Philadelphia doesn’t aggressively pursue him, it would seem to significantly increase the odds of a return to Los Angeles for the nine-time All-Star.
George has been extension-eligible with the Clippers all season, but hasn’t been able to reach an agreement with the team after teammate Kawhi Leonard signed a new deal with L.A. back in January. Reports have indicated that the Clippers sought a deal with George similar to the one that Leonard signed (three years, $152MM), which would be below his maximum in terms of both salary and years. The maximum offer Los Angeles can make to the 34-year-old would be worth a projected $221MM over four years, starting in 2024/25.
It’s unclear which players would be the 76ers’ top targets if George is off the table. LeBron James would presumably fit the bill, though there has been no indication yet that he’s mulling a move out of Los Angeles. OG Anunoby has been viewed as a possible option, and a report earlier this week suggested that the Knicks forward may test the market. A separate report stated that Philadelphia is expected to have some interest in Hornets forward Miles Bridges.
DeMar DeRozan, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Klay Thompson are a few other free agents of note, while Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram are among this offseason’s possible high-profile trade candidates.
I don’t think a 34 year old PG3 is worth anything close to what he’s gonna get paid
Some dumb GM will think he’s the missing piece and give him $50M a year.
Any team giving him more than 3 years will regret it.
If PG13 was serious about winning a title he would take less money/years to play with Steph and Dray. Steph’s title window is still open, despite what the haters who are overly eager to call his career done want to believe. PG should be in 1-and-done contracts, going full ring-chasing mode.
Unfortunately its always about the money. Reason the talks with 76ers broke down was because of money. Clippers is because of money. Paul wants the most money he can get.
PG still thinks he is the Paul George of the Indiana Pacers from 10 years ago. He’s become injury prone and isn’t getting any younger. He’s 34 and counting. Father Time is chasing his butt.
The warriors have Steph, Kuminga and nothing else. Doesn’t seem like a place to ring chase.
And Draymond, you know, by far the best defender in the league and a key cog of the motion offense. Not to mention he’s one of the last enforcers in the league. You really don’t want to mess with one of his teammates…
Keep on hating fan of whatever subpar team you like, warriors fans have an entire decade of changing the league to laugh at you. Loser.
The only thing draymond defends is his own team from winning a title. Single handedly killed their season. There’s a reason he’s one of the last enforcers — because you win by actually playing good basketball, not by punching your own teammates. “Rudy can’t defend the nuggets!” Neither can you from the announcing booth moron lol
Best defender in the league is hilarious. He’s the forward version of Marcus Smart.
He’s not. He’s in it for the $$$$$$$$$.
Apart of LBJ no 34 year old should be paid any where near the max salary.
That kind of money is for the young players not the veterans.
That is smart of the Sixers. All Paul George cares about at this point is getting a max contract. When was the last time he emphasized will an NBA Championship? If the Sixers give him a max, there goes their salary cap and their depth. Go after OG Anunoby, Klay Thompson, Malik Monk, Derrick Jones, Kyle Anderson, Kelly Oubre, Cedi Osman, Jalen Smith, etc.
Well, Monk is back with the Kings. The Knicks gave up a lot to acquire OG so they’re going to overpay him if they need to. Klay is washed. And the rest are the rest.
Not saying they should overpay for PG13, but their options are more limited than you think.
Best news of the day.
You don’t need $100 million damaged goods in one team
Two $50 million goods
If you are damaged goods, you will have to demand long term max contacts.
Ingram
8 seasons
477 games played
Average 60 games per season
OG
7 seasons
418 games played
Average 60 games per season
Are they damaged goods?
Yes they are.
Reports like this will help prevent PG’s camp from just using the 76ers as leverage against the Clippers
You are a bot.
1. Morey doesn’t want a tampering penalty again.
2. PG13 said on his podcast that he isn’t chasing a title. That won’t fly in Philly. He’s not made for the city, not the right make up w that statement alone.
3. He is 34. Injury prone. It’s a lot of their cap space tied up into one player, if it doesn’t work out they are done.
4. There is a growing sense at least from me that the Clippers are sandbagging and doing Harden a solid by playing w the Sixers and PG13 signs a 4 yr max w the Clippers. But after everyone else is gobbled up.
My take.
They are figuring they’ll have to pivot. But 35-40M on OG would be a mistake. Tobias 2.0, not enough production for that money.
Pg looks pretty comfortable in his sweats 10 mins down the street from his Pod studio
I’d love to see Ballmer play hardball with him but I’m not holding my breath – This news helps but Orl still lingers
* If the dude spouts Det I’m Larry David spite storing him and saying have at it pal
Right on, don’t be fooled by these load-managing, one-legged superstars.
Go for depth instead.
Keep PG with the CLIPPERS and the rest of their circus act.
Don’t hate this but don’t particularly love this either.
We need a third star on the wing between Joel and Maxey. Ideally someone that can also defend well. PG definitely fits what we are after but the age and amount of money is a concern.
There are other guys available OG, LBJ, etc etc
I wonder how much of this is creating leverage. By saying nah we are sweet without you, it hurts his ability to negotiate with other parties. Not many teams can offer you the money and opportunity to win and ultimately if you want to come here then maybe you will have to take less than the best.
Definitely feels likes a Morey move but at the same time if we miss on him, it is a bit of a drop off to the others and ultimately it risks our ability to land anyone
Hurts Paul’s leverage if anything w LAC
Does it matter? The 76ers haven’t won a thing since 1983. There’s a reason for that. That Danny Ainge fleeced Philly still draws chuckles after winning this year’s championship.