The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of a third star to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and it sounds like they have one potential free agent at the top of their wish list.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers view Paul George as the “ideal fit” to play alongside Embiid and Maxey. The Sixers are said to believe they have a “real chance” to sign George, who has a $48.8 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers for next season.
The Clippers want to re-sign George, but Pompey reports that they are not willing to give him a full max deal. George is eligible for a 4-year, $221 million contract from the Clippers. L.A. is unwilling to offer more than the 3-year, $152.3 million extension they gave to Kawhi Leonard back in January.
Other teams can offer George a 4-year, $212 million contract. Even though the 34-year-old has a lengthy injury history, the 76ers may be willing to go that high if they truly believe George is the missing piece that can help get them over the hump in the postseason.
The 76ers have roughly $60 million in salary cap space, though some of that will likely be used to sign Maxey to an extension. If they are unable to sign George, they could try to land one notable player via trade.
