Report: 76ers ‘Would Leap At The Chance’ To Sign Paul George This Summer

According to NBA insider Zach Lowe of ESPN, the Philadelphia 76ers “would leap at the chance” to sign Paul George this summer. 

George can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Los Angeles Clippers worth $48.8 million.

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.

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

“Going forward, it is armed with max-level cap space,” Lowe wrote. “The Sixers would leap at the chance to use it on Paul George, sources said. George has yet to sign an extension with the LA Clippers and could become an unrestricted free agent in July if he forgoes that extension.”

George is averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.5 blocks this season while shooting 47.1% from the field, 41.2% from beyond the arc and 89.8% from the free-throw line. The talented forward is making $45.6 million.

According to NBA reporter Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, “there are some who expect” George to leave the Clippers for the Sixers this summer. Should George enter free agency, Philadelphia is expected to offer him an extensive contract. 

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

“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.”

If the Clippers don’t go on a deep run in the 2024 playoffs, 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 dangerous “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.