After extending Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers has not yet extended Paul Georges. THE Philadelphia 76ers can keep their eyes on it. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report explained why he thinks the Sixers could be a free agency destination for George.
“Philadelphia can easily draft a veteran at max while having plenty of flexibility to match the offer sheet signed by Tyrese Maxey,” Bailey wrote in a March 20 article. “And a trio of Embiid, Maxey and George would instantly be among the best in the East.”
Bailey then explained why George could potentially fit who the Sixers have on their roster.
“Embiid and Maxey already have one of the best two-on-one matchups in the league, and George has been one of the best and most prolific floor spacers in the game for years. Sure, he can cut too, but alongside Maxey and Embiid, he’d get enough wide-open threes to survive on a little more than that.
George is in the third of a four-year, $176 million contract. He has a player option of 48.8 million with the Clippers. Since joining the NBA in 2010, George has been a part of nine NBA All-Star teams and five All-NBA teams.
Sixers ‘looming’ as Paul George suitor: report
George’s move to the Sixers next offseason could make sense. NBA Insider Marc Stein revealed that the The Sixers are interested in George if he tests free agency. He also added what they might face.
“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 in his March 20 Substack newsletter. “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 has been with the Clippers since 2019. He grew up in the Los Angeles area. He and Leonard teamed up to give the Clippers their first NBA championship as a franchise.
Untimely injuries prevented them from achieving their goals in this regard. George has maintained solid production during the 2023-24 season. In 63 matches, he is averaged 22.5 points while shooting 46.8% from the field and 40.8% from three.
OG Anunoby touted as ‘reasonable’ free agent target
Bailey explained why OG Anunoby would be a more “reasonable” target if George doesn’t join the Sixers.
“The Sixers’ mountain of cap space could be better spent on high-end role players,” Bailey wrote. in a story from March 19. “Anunoby is right on the borderline between that distinction and a fringe star, and his defense would make Philadelphia a much different team on that end. Having shooters to surround the two-man game of Embiid and Maxey in the middle of the court should also be a priority, and Anunoby checks that box.
Anunoby knows some of the Sixers staff, like Nick Nurse and Kyle Lowry. He would also bring title experience, having won a championship with the Raptors in 2019.
