According to league insider Chris Haynes, Daryl Morey’s master plan for the 76ers this summer involves the potential pursuit of two-way swingman Paul George. Apparently, the 76ers are more committed than ever to building a championship team and they’ve settled on Clippers star George as the final piece they need to meet their goals.
“If Paul George and the Clippers are unable to get an extension done, look for the Sixers to be very aggressive and try to pursue him in the offseason,” said Haynes. “Paul George would definitely be a target of the Philadelphia 76ers. Everybody expects Paul George and the Clippers to get something done and they want to go into that new arena with their full core intact. If not, watch out for the 76ers, they’re not done.”
There have been no indications that Paul George will not re-sign with the Clippers this summer, but anything is possible in the NBA and feelings can change on a dime between a player and his team. If the Clippers get bounced early in the playoffs, or suffer another embarrassing series loss, it could prompt Paul George to re-think his loyalty and consider a potential move to the East. With averages of 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season, Paul George remains one of the best two-way wings in the game and his arrival would make the 76es heavy favorites in the Eastern Conference.
An Important Summer For The Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers started off hot this season and looked to be on track for a deep playoff run before Joel Embiid’s latest injury. Following a successful procedure, Embiid is set to miss the next 6-8 weeks to recover and the time frame will make or break this season for the Sixers. But no matter how the next two months play out, the Sixers would be much better off with additional star power, especially given Embiid’s extensive injury history.
As it stands right now, the 76ers will have up to $60 million in cap space come July and they will spare no expense to build the best team possible around their star big man. With players such as LeBron James, Jrue Holiday, Tobias Harris, and DeMar DeRozan potentially available for the taking, Philly will have a number of options to improve this summer and they will have the rest of this season to decide their best course of action.
Will Paul George Stay With The Clippers This Summer?
As one of the top three-and-d players in the league, many teams would love the chance to sign Paul George this summer, even at 33 years old. Over five seasons in Los Angeles, George is averaging 23.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on 39% shooting from deep while also being one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders.
Based on everything George has said and done as a Clipper, it would be shocking if he were to sign anywhere else this summer. Plus, as one of the best teams in the West this season, it would make no sense for the Clippers to let him go just when things have peaked with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. By all accounts, Paul George is almost surely on track to return to Los Angeles and if he does, it means the 76ers will have to look elsewhere for Joel Embiid’s next co-star.
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