The Philadelphia 76ers traded away James Harden with the understanding they wouldn’t be able to make their own acquisition of an All-Star player until the summer of 2024. Now that time has arrived and with NBA free agency a few weeks away, there are already a lot of 76ers rumors swirling.
Philadelphia has already been linked to LeBron James, floated as a viable landing spot for one of the best NBA players of all time. While the organization would certainly be open to landing him this summer, there is a different All-Star forward that the front office covets.
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According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the 76ers are both looking for a star to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey while also finding contributors who can fit into a variety of roles. That’s why, around the league, everyone is saying that Paul George is Philadelphia’s top target in NBA free agency.
“They’re looking for another star, but they also need players who can fill various roles. PG-13 is both, which is why sources familiar with Philly’s strategy say he is the team’s plan A in free agency.””
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor on the Philadelphia 76ers’ interest in Paul George
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- Paul George stats (2023-’24): 22.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.14 Win Shares per 48 Minutes
George, who turns 35 years old, has an interest in re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason. However, per O’Connor, the Clippers have also made it pretty clear they aren’t willing to pay George as much as Kawhi Leonard ($152.4 million over 3 years) is signed for.
Philadelphia has a legitimate shot at landing George, offering him the long-term security, money and opportunity to compete for a championship that he is seeking. However, the team also knows that it needs to have a secondary plan if it can land George.
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According to O’Connor, Philadelphia would pivot to a Brandon Ingram trade with the New Orleans Pelicans if it is unable to land George. The All-Star, who is under contract for the 2024’25 season with a $36 million salary and a 15 percent trade kicker, has already been floated in NBA trade rumors this summer.
One important point that O’Connor mentions is how Philadelphia is well-positioned to trade for Ingram. Because it can take on his contract “without sacrificing any salary”, the Pelicans would view a deal with the 76ers more favorably because they can offer New Orleans the ability to create cap space for the summer.