The Philadelphia 76ers will try to add more skilled players to support Joel Embiid through free agency. They are considering the Los Angeles Clippers star Paul Georgeas a potential target. However, a report by Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report indicates that it's unlikely for George to leave LA.
“The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to have a large amount of cap room. This is believed to be reserved for Paul George, but multiple NBA sources anticipate George will stay with the LA Clippers,” Pincus reported in a story from April 24.
George is currently in the third year of a four-year, $176 million contract. He also has a player option for the 2024-25 season. There's no information available about whether he will exercise or decline the option. Regardless of his decision, it may not impact his future with the Clippers.
The Clippers have already extended Kawhi Leonard and also have James Harden’s contract situation to take care of.
If Pincus’ report is accurate, the Sixers may need to consider other free agents. They wouldn’t necessarily need to offer any player a maximum contract. They could offer significant money to certain players, but for fewer years, which could help them maintain cap flexibility.
The Sixers’ interest in Paul George is widely known and has been referred to as the 'worst-kept secret'
Even though it seems likely that George will stay with the Clippers, the Sixers’ interest in him has been public for some time.
Keith Pompey from The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the well-known desire of the Sixers to add George.
“The 76ers’ desire to acquire Paul George in free agency is the NBA’s worst-kept secret,” according to Pompey’s story on March 28. in a story dated March 28. “Some people expect an agreement to be reached between both sides, leading to George teaming up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey next season.”
The Sixers have attempted to pair multiple All-Stars with Embiid, either through the draft or free agency, such as Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, and James Harden. They have consistently reached the playoffs, but have never advanced beyond the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Although George has never advanced beyond the Eastern Conference Finals, he has been a key player on teams that have reached that stage.
Andrew Wiggins is being considered as a potential trade target for the Sixers
In addition to the report that George may stay with the Clippers, it was suggested that they could consider acquiring Golden State Warriors wing Andrew Wiggins.
According to Pincus, “With a limited number of quality free agents, Wiggins may be the best wing option available for Philadelphia.”
Pincus also outlined why Wiggins could be financially attractive to the Sixers after proposing a trade for him.
“Taking Wiggins into cap space for just the No. 16 pick is a bargain for Philadelphia. The 29-year-old wing and 2014 No. 1 pick is under contract through 2026-27 for $84.7 million (player option on the final season). That’s a significantly lower price than George (almost 34) will command to stay with the Clippers.
“Assuming the 76ers also keep Paul Reed Jr., Philadelphia would still have about $33.3 million to spend elsewhere (before re-signing Maxey) plus the room mid-level exception (about $8 million). Wiggins would presumably replace Tobias Harris on the roster, and the remaining budget would be used to shop in free agency and/or retain players like Kyle Lowry, Kelly Oubre Jr., Nicolas Batum, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton.
Not getting George would not be great for the Sixers, but getting Wiggins would increase their wing depth.
