Over the last month, the Philadelphia 76ers have been heavily connected to Los Angeles star forward Paul George. George, who hasn’t received a max offer from the Clippers, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent later this month.
The Sixers and Orlando Magic are the two teams that have been connected to George due to need, and they have the most cap space heading into NBA free agency. Philadelphia could use George as he would be a solid fit next to All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
However, the latest reporting from The Athletic’s Shams Charania suggests that the Sixers might not have their eyes set on George after all. Charania reported Thursday that the Sixers’ interest in pursuing the All-Star forward has “significantly waned in recent days.”
The NBA insider added that Philadelphia is expected to be aggressive elsewhere with its salary cap flexibility and draft capital heading into the 2024 NBA draft.
If the Sixers are not interested in George as a free agent, they could pivot to New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram or Miami Heat guard Jimmy Butler. However, the Sixers would have to acquire Ingram or Butler via trade. On Thursday, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported that the Pelicans contacted Philly about a possible Ingram trade.
The Sixers enter the offseason in a unique spot with a projected $55.5 million in cap space. Philly could use most of that money on a max player like George, or fill out its roster with players like Malik Monk, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and OG Anunoby.
With the 2024 NBA Draft next week, we should have a clearer idea about the Sixers’ offseason plans as they might not keep the No. 16 overall pick.
[Photo courtesy of Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports]
