Report: Paul George Expected To Be 76ers’ Top Offseason Target If He Declines Player Option With Clippers

According to NBA reporter Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Paul George is expected to be the Philadelphia 76ers‘ top offseason target if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Los Angeles Clippers. 

George can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2024-25 player option worth $48.8 million. 

“Yes, the Sixers have plenty of room to make a significant move,” Pompey wrote. “And they intend to do just that. Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George is expected to be their top target if declines his $48.8 million player option with L.A. for next season.”

The Clippers have until June 30 to sign George to an extension. They signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $149 million extension in January.

George is averaging 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks this season while shooting 47.0% from the field, 41.2% from beyond the arc and 90.7% from the free-throw line. He’s making $45.6 million.

If the Clippers don’t go on a deep run in the 2024 postseason, will owner Steve Ballmer still pay George? Only time will tell.

LAC has never made the NBA Finals in franchise history. George and Leonard joined the organization in 2019. 

If the Sixers signed George, they would have a lethal “Big 3” of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

George has career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Clippers. The nine-time All-Star turns 34 in May. 

According to Pompey, the Clippers may be unwilling to match George‘s expectations for his next contract. 

Many people around the NBA anticipated the Clippers to sign George to an extension after they extended Leonard. However, that hasn’t happened.

“He’s also eligible to sign an extension this season, but the two sides haven’t reached an agreement,” Pompey wrote. “The belief is that Los Angeles isn’t willing to match Paul George’s expectations for his next contract. Reports have circulated suggesting the Clippers’ offer is less than Leonard’s three-year, $149.7 million extension.”