76ers ‘Closely Monitoring’ Paul George’s Situation With Clippers

According to NBA reporter Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia 76ers are “closely monitoring” Paul George‘s situation with the Los Angeles Clippers. 

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

According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Sixers are expected to make George a significant offer if he becomes a free agent.

“That is why the Sixers are closely monitoring the situation, hoping the Clippers let George slip away,” Pompey wrote. “But the Clippers have to know their roster, as currently constructed, is dangerous as long as it remains healthy. George and his representation also realize that.”

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.

“You can argue that it would be best for George to move if the Clippers don’t up their offer,” Pompey wrote. “And that’s where the Sixers, who could create close to $65 million in cap space this summer, come in. Even if George isn’t interested in Philly, it makes sense for him to entertain the idea and force the Clippers’ hand.”

Leonard and George joined the Clippers in the summer of 2019. LAC lost in the second round of the 2020 playoffs, lost in the 2021 Western Conference Finals, missed the postseason in 2022 and lost in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. 

George is averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.5 blocks this season while shooting 47.0% from the field, 40.9% from beyond the arc and 89.7% from the free-throw line. He’s making $45.6 million.

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

The Clippers are 45-27 on the season. They are in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. The franchise has never reached the NBA Finals. 

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