Regardless of what happens this season, the Philadelphia 76ers are going to find themselves looking for a big-name player once the NBA offseason begins.
Philadelphia is heading towards Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns with a mere 38-30 record and as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
This is not where front office boss Daryl Morey expected Philadelphia to be heading into the second half of March.
Mainly, the knee injury to reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid suffered at the end of January played a role in the team’s difficulties. Since injuring his meniscus, Philadelphia finds itself just 9-14. All told, the 76ers are 12-23 when Embiid doesn’t play this season and 26-7 when he’s in the starting lineup.
Don’t think for a second that Morey didn’t understand this. He is always looking for renowned players. This will not change during the summer.
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Philadelphia 76ers to target Paul George in NBA free agency
NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that the 76ers are keeping tabs on the Los Angeles Clippers star if George opts out of his contract and becomes a free agent this offseason.
“League sources say Philadelphia continues to profile itself as an enthusiastic suitor for George if he can hit the open market and gives the 76ers their formal opportunity to try to lure him across the country,” writes Stein. “The Sixers reportedly maintain their interest in George despite the widespread presumption that he and Leonard want to continue playing together in their native Southern California.”
George, 33, has a $48.79 million player option for the 2024-25 season. It stands to reason that he will step down and look for another long-term contract before making a career out of it.
Whether this means the nine-time All-Star will seriously consider leaving his native Los Angeles in free agency remains to be seen. This seems highly unlikely.
George is averaging 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 40% shooting from distance this season. He continues to play at an extremely high level.
