Where there was once doubt, there is now “growing optimism” that the Philadelphia 76ers will land Paul George.
The whirlwind is already in full effect, and free agency hasn’t even begun. As time creeps ever closer to the official 6 p.m. start time of the NBA’s free agency moratorium, rumors and reports are pouring out regarding the biggest story of free agency: the Philadelphia 76ers and their pursuit of nine-time All-Star Paul George.
For over a year now, the pitch to Sixers fans by team president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has been that the team would utilize the cap space and draft assets acquired in the James Harden trade to land a third star to help Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey deliver the city’s first NBA championship since 1983. Now, just ahead of free agency, it seems the possibility of landing that third star may be becoming a reality.
NBA Insider Chris Haynes reported that there is growing optimism that Philadelphia will sign Paul George after free agency opens, according to his sources.
George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season for the Los Angeles Clippers while shooting 41.3 percent from three on nearly eight attempts per game. Though he’s more a stretch wing than a true three-and-D star these days, George is the picture-perfect fit for what Philadelphia needs, even at age 34.
Despite momentary lapses in the postseason, Paul George has averaged over 24 points per game, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over his last five trips to the playoffs. That type of production far exceeds what the 76ers have seen from their third producer or below.
Tobias Harris, a young Tyrese Maxey or James Harden (whoever you consider the third option of the 2022 and 2023 playoffs), Ben Simmons, Philadelphia has not had a third option like what Paul George would potentially provide since the days of Andrew Toney.
If the 76ers are truly able to land Paul George, the fans of Philadelphia should be excited for the implications such a deal would have on their potential playoff push next season.
This comes in addition to rumors that the team has explored options to potentially acquire both George and former Denver Nuggets wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Stay tuned, as updates will be made available as they are known.
